Conrad: Bush has gone into 'fiscal ditch'

WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad delivered the Democratic response Saturday to President Bush, saying he has "driven the country into a fiscal ditch."

Conrad, who represents North Dakota, credited the Democrats with passing an economic stimulus package that includes tax rebates. Bush, in his weekly radio address, also took credit for the legislation.

"With so many Americans hurting, we cannot afford to take the president's wait-and-see approach any longer," he said. "It is time to act. The Democratic budget does just that."

Democratic budget proposals would provide aid for education and infrastructure repair and tax relief for the middle class while moving closer to a balanced budget, Conrad said.

"By the time the president leaves office, the debt will reach an astonishing $10 trillion," he said. "That's more than $34,000 in debt for every man, woman, and child in our country -- more than the average cost of a new car."