WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) issued the following statement today following remarks on the economy by President-elect Barack Obama and a meeting between Ways and Means Committee members and economic advisors to the President-elect on the upcoming economic recovery package:
“President-elect Obama’s remarks earlier today demonstrate the clear vision and leadership so desperately needed during this economic downturn. His call to action has been received here in Congress and has the overwhelming support of the American people. We have hit the ground running in the 111th Congress to tackle the issues at the heart of our economic downturn and strengthen opportunities for hardworking American families and businesses.
“The proposals outlined by President-elect Obama demonstrate common goals and priorities that Democrats in Congress have championed for years and this package represents a critical opportunity to overcome the challenges of our times. Today, Members of the Ways and Means Committee participated in the first of many sit-down meetings with economic advisors to the President-elect. We agreed that the more we meet, the more excited we get and the more flexibility we will have in working with each other to ensure that we build the best recovery package possible.
“We are so fortunate that we share the same key goals - meaningful relief for middle-class families, incentives to help businesses create and preserve good-paying jobs and assistance for those struggling to find work during the downturn.
“The question we currently face: how do we achieve these goals in the most direct, efficient way possible? That’s what we’re working on now. If today’s discussion is any indication, I’m certain there will be overwhelming support for the final recovery package."
