December 12, 2003Rumsfeld Says States Have a Stake in the Success of the War on TerrorU.S. Defense Secretary Addresses State Legislators at NCSL Fall ForumWASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Friday told state legislators they play a leading role in protecting citizens from terrorists. "The global war on terror began with Sept. 11," Rumsfeld said at the National Conference of State Legislatures' Fall Forum at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. "Each of you have a stake in the success of this mission." Rumsfeld thanked the legislators who passed resolutions supporting troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He thanked NCSL for honoring with the Medal of Civic Honor legislator soldiers who serve their country twice. "These efforts are important, and they're appreciated," Rumsfeld said. The secretary highlighted positive developments in Iraq in hospitals, schools, banks, courts, police and electric power. In response to questions about whether America could afford to continue rebuilding Iraq at a time when states are struggling with domestic issues due to budget shortfalls, Rumsfeld said the U.S. could not afford not to. Defense spending today, he said, is at about 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product - the lowest percentage it's been during Rumsfeld's adult life. "Can we afford that?" Rumsfeld said. "Look at the alternative. Without a peaceful and stable environment, nothing is possible. ... All you have to do is look in a war zone and see what happens to the lives of human beings. It's a tragedy. ... We can't afford not to invest in providing for our national security." The states and the federal government have begun the process of working together to beat terrorism, said NCSL President and Speaker of the Utah House Marty Stephens. "That Rumsfeld is here is clearly evidence to the developing partnership between the state and federal government on matters of defense and national security," Stephens said. "I think we need to continue to communicate, and we need to support each other. We're making progress, but it takes a while to figure out our roles in this time of changing environment in our country." NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and legislative staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. Its mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, foster interstate communication and provide the states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system. ### | 
