As was demonstrated during the 9/11 tragedies and during other emergencies across Maryland and the Nation on an almost daily basis, the heroism and diligence of America's firefighters and first responders is crucial to the health and safety of our communities.

[Bush's concerns about WorldCom and other problematic companies also were addressed Saturday by Sen. Paul Sarbanes, D-Maryland, who delivered the weekly Democratic radio address.] We are facing a crisis of confidence that is eroding the public's trust in our markets, and poses a real threat to our economic health, ... The strain on the economy is deep and spreading.

The administration in my view is once again manufacturing a crisis. There is no crisis in the Social Security system. The system is not on the verge of bankruptcy.

You're having to labor in the shadow of Michael Brown is what I think is happening here.

Furthermore, and a point I really want to make very strongly, is that this is the first Administration since Herbert Hoover not to create a net gain in jobs in the course of its Administration.

The fact that the President is calling for still more tax cuts at the same time the Congress is being asked to add $800 billion to the Federal debt ceiling is beyond reckless-it places in jeopardy our future economic strength and the economic security of all Americans.