WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the fourth quarter GDP report, which showed that the American economy grew at 0.6 percent: “The U.S. economy is not growing as fast as we’d like─that’s why we need the President’s stimulus package as soon as possible because it will boost the economy by putting money into the hands of consumers.
“It is vital that Congress take quick action to bolster economic growth and job creation this year. The economic stimulus package passed by the House will quickly boost consumer spending and encourage businesses to expand and hire workers.
“In 2007, trade contributed over half a percentage point to total GDP growth─the largest contribution in 16 years. We need to keep up the momentum. Trade agreements are critical to lowering barriers to American exports and creating better-paying American jobs. I look forward to working with Congress to pass the pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Korea in the coming months.”
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
