Garrett Gazette - October 10, 2006
Washington,
Oct 10 -
Dear Friends:
This weekend, North Korea announced to the world that it had successfully tested a nuclear weapon. It may be days or weeks before we can confirm the strength or success or even truth of the test, but it remains clear that this provocative act demands a decisive, strong, and immediate response from the United States and from the world. This development is a very serious turn for the worse in global affairs, a real wrench in regional stability, and a grave threat to American national interests.
For years, North Korea’s brutal dictator Kim Jong Il has flirted with nuclear power. But, even its closest ally, China, consistently warned that unpredictable regime against pursuing it. China’s primary concern has been that a nuclear North Korea would provoke Japan to drop its no-nuclear policy and prod South Korea to abandon its Sunshine Policy of engagement with its neighbor to the North. The balance of power in this region has always been very fragile, and China has worked hard to keep Kim Jong-Il from upsetting it.
And, China has had some influence with this regime because of its trade partnerships. After years of economic mismanagement, widespread flooding and drought, and a famine in the 1990s that killed as many as 2 million people, North Korea relies on outside aid, primarily from China and increasingly from South Korea, to sustain its population of 23 million.
The United States also has been engaged in negotiations with the North Korean government and the region’s key players (China, South Korea, Japan, and Russia) to forestall escalation of the regional tensions. And, according to Christopher Hill, head of the U.S. delegation to these talks, “We’ve talked to them many times bilaterally in the six-party process. If they’re trying to talk bilaterally outside of the six-party process then they’re trying to do away with the six-party process, come to an impasse and then blame us for the failure.”
In the wake of this weekend’s weapons demonstration, the U.S. is pressing the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution that would not only contain the North Korean nuclear weaponry program, but also keep North Korea from selling its nuclear know-how to other states – and non-state entities. In the past, North Korea has transferred missile technology to Iran and Syria and there is reason to believe that North Korea is just as interested in developing nuclear weapons for the purpose of proliferation as for the purpose of use or deterrence.
The U.S. proposal is designed to limit North Korea’s ability to import or export nuclear and ballistic missile technology, as well as hinder its capacity to raise illicit money, including its alleged production of counterfeit American dollars. The resolution would demand that North Korea cease all nuclear activities and that it reengage in the six-party diplomatic talks. The resolution would also bar the import of all military and luxury goods, as well as so-called “dual use” industrial items that could be used for their weapons program. North Korea would have 30-days to comply or face “such further actions as may be needed.”
Such direction has garnered strong support from Security Council leader-nations, such as France and Britain. And, the condemnation of North Korea’s actions has been universal, including strong and significant statements from China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea.
As I write this, the member countries of the Security Council and the United Nations are discussing the language of the U.S. proposal. Rest assured that this is a top priority issue for me, and I am monitoring the constant developments very closely to ensure that American national security interests remain paramount at all times.
Sincerely,
Scott Garrett
Member of Congress
ISSUE OF THE WEEK: WALL STREET HITS RECORD HIGHS AND MAIN STREET CREATES AMERICAN JOBS FOR 37TH CONSECUTIVE MONTH
Last week, the Dow Jones industrial average hit a new all-time intraday high, reaching 11,754.55, and a record high close of 11,722.98. Both new records set on October 3, 2006 broke previous records set on January 14, 2000.
Furthermore, on Friday, October 6th, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics announced 51,000 new jobs in September, marking the 37th consecutive month of job growth. The unemployment rate has also remained lower than the average of the past four decades, at 4.6 percent, and the gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.6 percent in the second quarter of 2006 – the 19th consecutive quarter of economic growth.
In fact, since the 2003 tax cuts took effect, the economy has added $1.26 trillion in real output, $14.4 trillion in net wealth, and 5.8 million new jobs. Furthermore, productivity has grown 10 percent and business investment has grown 24 percent.. After adjusting for inflation, total consumer spending has risen $1 trillion over the course of this decade – nearly $8,000 per household. And, finally, the Federal budget deficit has been cut to 1.9 percent, as opposed to 3.6 percent of GDP in early 2004.
These numbers are further evidence that the robust tax relief package that my colleagues and I passed in 2003 has fueled a real economic rebound. These policies are allowing businesses to reinvest in their employees and their business plans, creating more jobs, more goods and services, and a thriving economy. I will continue to do all I can to return the focus to the family budget over the Federal budget, allowing hard-working taxpayers to keep more of the dollars they earn.
Even following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, which essentially disintegrated business investment for three years; the $7 trillion in wealth washed away with the stock market’s collapse in 2000-01; and the corporate scandals like Enron, the economy has rebounded because of the pro-growth and tax relief policies enacted by this Congress. And, that is good news for the American family and for American businesses.
CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT’S OFFICE COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU:
Congressman Garrett’s staff will be holding Mobile Constituent Service Hours in a number of Fifth District towns this week. The Congressman’s Constituent Service Officers are trained to act as your liaisons with Federal agencies. But, it’s not always easy to make it out to one of the Congressman’s district offices – in Paramus and Newton – to meet with one of them, especially when you are dealing with government red tape. These Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions bring the Congressman’s office to you. So, if you are having trouble with a Federal program, such as Medicare, veterans benefits, Social Security, or more, please feel free to come by. And, please bring copies of any relevant paperwork with you to facilitate their work.
Tuesday, October 10th
Park Ridge
10:00 am to noon
Borough Hall, 55 Park Avenue
Tuesday, October 10th
Closter
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Library, 280 High Street
Wednesday, October 11th
Ramsey
10:00 am to noon
Library, 30 Wyckoff Avenue
Wednesday, October 11th
Mahwah
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Mahwah Senior Center, 475 Corporate Drive
Thursday, October 12th
Glen Rock
10:00 am to noon
Municipal Building, Harding Plaza
Thursday, October 12th
Wanaque
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Library, 616 Ringwood Avenue
