CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Vice President Dick Cheney made a brief trip to Charlotte to speak about the economy and the war in Iraq Thursday morning.

Air Force Two touched down on the Wilson Air Center field at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport shortly after 10:30 a.m. Cheney was then driven to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, where he spoke with directors privately.

He touted the president's economic stimulus plan, saying it will spur growth and minimize the country's economic downturn.

Cheney said the country rests on a "solid platform" of economic growth because of policies established by President Bush during his eight years in office. He said it's now time to take wise and vital steps to revive the nation's economy.

---

RAW VIDEO: Vice President Dick Cheney Talks To Charlotte Chamber Of Commerce

SURVEY: Are You Concerned About The Economy Falling Into A Recession?

---

The U.S. Senate is working to follow the lead of President George W. Bush and the House in developing an economic stimulus package to speed rebate checks of $500 to $1,000 to millions of homes -- all but the richest taxpayers -- in an effort to liven consumer spending. Lawmakers hope to ward off a recession, or at least make it a short and mild downturn.

Cheney said Americans could spend the money and stimulate the economy, which would minimize a downturn. But he warned that fighting in Congress could kill the package.

The stimulus plan advanced Wednesday in the Senate after Republicans and Democrats agreed to add aid for the elderly, unemployed and disabled veterans.

The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure on a bipartisan vote, and senior aides said the chamber could begin voting on it as early as Thursday. They said rebates could begin arriving at homes in May and June.

Toward the end of his speech, Cheney addressed the war in Iraq and spoke passionately about the Protect America Act, which gives the federal government the power to monitor phone calls outside the United States. That act was scheduled to expire Friday, but Congress extended it for 15 days. He urged Congress to make it permanent.

Cheney said, "The terrorist threat has not expired in the last six months, it won't expire any time soon, and Congress should stop writing laws that pretend otherwise."

Cheney also said the United States needs to keep fighting the war. He said Americans need to show al Qaeda that Americans have "the stomach for the fight."

The vice president left Charlotte just before noon.