We all know that the American economy has faced serious challenges over the last three years. As the President took office in 2001, we were headed into a recession. We lost nearly one million jobs in just the three months following 9/11. Corporate scandals hurt investor confidence and the uncertainties created from fighting the war on terror in Afghanistan and Iraq slowed the recovery.

We all have dreams, hopes, and responsibilities. Whether it is getting your kids through college, trying to buy a house or a car, or planning for retirement, we all want to work towards something. There are mortgage payments to make and medical bills to pay.

The good news is that economic growth over the last year has been growing at the fastest rate in nearly 20 years. People are returning to work. And in celebration of the American Dream, we are not just striving to recover that which was lost, but to rebuild our nation and ourselves even better than we ever were. And let me be clear: our best days are still to come.

Last week, the government released strong job numbers for May. Virginia gained 8,300 jobs last month, and across the nation, nearly 1 million new jobs have been created in the last 100 days alone. Believe it or not, the current national unemployment rate is below the average of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. 

Quietly, our economy has shifted into high gear. Factories are busier, families are earning more, homeownership continues to rise, and people are finding work.

After-tax incomes are up by 11% since December 2000 - substantially faster growth than following the last recession. Inflation is low and interest rates and mortgage rates are near historic lows. Homeownership rates are near record highs. Minority homeownership is at its highest rate ever. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 25% in 2003, and the NASDAQ rose by 50%.

This is happening for several reasons: We’ve reduced taxes on families by lowering tax rates for all taxpayers, increasing the child credit, and reducing the marriage penalty. Congress has passed legislation to phase out the death tax, helping to preserve family farms and businesses. We’ve encouraged business growth by providing incentives for small businesses to invest. We’ve made the stock market stronger by cutting taxes on dividends and capital gains. And we’ve passed the strongest corporate governance reforms since FDR was President.

While Congress plays an important role in setting the right course for the economy, the true engine for job growth in this country will never be the federal government. What the federal government can and must do is to foster the most fruitful economic environment possible so that Americans pursing their own dreams can have the best possible chance for success. Around the country, this is happening and at a quick pace. The economy is back on track, economic success is spreading quickly, and this is great news for all Americans.

:: July 6, 2004 - WWII Veterans Trip ::

Two weeks ago, I returned from a trip to Normandy, France to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. Traveling there, it was hard not to be overwhelmed by the awesome bravery and heroism of the men that stormed the beach that day in the name of freedom. 

Last month, the national World War II Memorial opened on the national mall. It was built to honor the 16 million who served in the Armed Forces during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. As the announcement stone proclaims, the memorial honors those “Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice.” 

Prior to the dedication of the memorial, I received many calls from veterans who were interested in coming to Washington for the dedication ceremony. Unfortunately, tickets were in short supply. On July 6, 2004, I am hosting World War II veterans in Washington, DC to see this great monument.  If you are not a World War II veteran, please consider passing this invitation on to one that lives in Virginia’s Fourth Congressional District. 

Who:

World War II Veterans and spouses of World War II Veterans from Virginia’s Fourth District and one guest

What: 

A tour of the new World War II Memorial and special luncheon with Congressman Forbes

Transportation:

Coach buses will depart from various locations within Virginia’s Fourth District

Cost:

Due to Congressional Ethics Rules, Members of Congress are prohibited from using official government funds for constituent transportation purposes. Accordingly, the cost per person to cover the transportation will be $20. Lunch will be provided at no cost to attendees.

How to Register:

Please register by calling one of Congressman Forbes’ Congressional Offices listed below or by faxing a registration form to Jason Gray at 804-526-7486. Space is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served.

More Information:

Visit www.house.gov/forbes or call any one of Congressman Forbes' congressional offices.