Congressman Kendrick Meek, D-Miami, wants war bonds to finance the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, calling it an effort to promote "national shared sacrifice and responsibility." Meek, who is running for Senate, introduced the legislation today, a companion to legislation by Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska.

“At a time of tremendous sacrifice for our military families, we need to promote shared sacrifice and shoulder collective responsibility as a nation as we fight two wars halfway across the globe,” Meek said. “War bonds are a cost-effective way to reduce our dependence on foreign creditors and create an outlet for Americans to express their patriotism and support for our service members as well as the security mission for which they are deployed.”

War bonds were last issued in World War II. Some other Democrats have called for a war tax, an idea that is D.O.A.