WASHINGTON, DC - Democratic Members of the Ways and Means Committee today joined colleagues in the House of Representatives to support H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which passed the House with a vote of 244-188. The bill offers tremendous relief to millions of working families and unemployed workers who have been hurt by the economic downturn, while also providing incentives for businesses to grow and create new jobs.
“There is a crisis of confidence in our country. Much of it related to the meltdown that has occurred within the financial system. But there is also an uncertainty on the part of everyday people across this country about whether they will be able to maintain the basics in their lives. They wonder if the bottom is going to fall out from beneath their families," said Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI). “As much as anything, people are wondering whether the federal government is going to take action to help them -- or will the old political divisions keep this Congress from taking effective action to help people in their daily lives. By passing this bill, we show that we will step up to the plate and help address these concerns. This bill is a first step. Other steps will be needed, but this recovery package is a good beginning."
“Behind every number is a personal story of an American family struggling to cope and survive this economic crisis. Behind every story is an American who deserves our help, has earned our help on the job, and has every right to expect Congress to act with all deliberate speed. We must not let them down," said Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA).
“Americans need help. They are losing their jobs, their homes, and their businesses. Through this stimulus package, Congress is saying, in effect, that “trickle down" economics has not worked. We are saying that the people’s resources should be used to benefit the greatest number of citizens in their time of need," said Rep. John Lewis (D-GA). “There are tax cuts included in this bill to help create a balanced plan. But those who criticize spending today, did not raise their voices when the federal deficit was expanding into double digits. Now, are they asking that the federal government close its doors and turn its back on our citizens? Congress is charged to make decisions about how to allocate the people’s resources. And this Congress has decided we must use our limited resources to benefit, not just a few, but the greatest number."
“Americans are dealing with the biggest economic crisis in recent memory. Our country is facing great challenges both at home and abroad. It is clear that bold and decisive action needs to be taken to put our nation on a new path. And that is why I supported this economic recovery legislation today. I am pleased that Massachusetts will be granted much needed aid in the stimulus package. This aid will help grow the economy, help working families and those who have been displaced in the job market. The recovery package will also provide immediate tax relief to over two million families in the state through the new Making Work Pay Credit. I hope this significant investment in our economy will lead swift recovery," said Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA).
“Our nation faces very grim challenges. Families in Tennessee and across the country are struggling to make ends meet, and thousands of workers are losing their jobs. There have been hundreds of job losses announced just this week in our district in West and Middle Tennessee," said Rep. John S. Tanner (D-TN). “It has become clear to many of us that inaction is not an option, and that we must work to help create jobs and rebuild our economy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act addresses the immediate economic concerns of the American people and specifically Tennesseans. This legislation could create or save more than 63,000 jobs in our state by the end of next year, according to analysis from independent economist Mark Zandi of Moody’s Economy.com."
“This bill will provide tremendous benefits for our state’s industries, infrastructure and working families. North Dakota’s economy, while still the strongest in the nation, has started to experience some of the broader national slowdown, and I am committed to doing everything possible to reverse that trend," Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) said. “This bill is vital to families in North Dakota who have been hit hard by the recession. It will help those who have lost their jobs find new ones and weather the storm until they do, it will help our state’s wind industry grow, and it will provide tax relief to families who need it now."
“We face a rendezvous with reality," said Rep. John Larson (D-CT). "The Bush Administration left us with the worst financial crisis this country has seen since the Great Depression. Nearly every component of our economy has deteriorated. Our budget deficits, trade deficits and debt have reached record level. Unemployment has reached the highest level in fifteen years- nearly 4 million manufacturing jobs have been lost. On Monday of this week alone companies cut 71,000 jobs. Inflation is on the rise and household savings are down. States are facing enormous budget shortfalls and are being forced to cut services. My home state of Connecticut is facing a $1 billion deficit this year.
“Our economy is struggling and more vulnerable than it’s been in decades. American families and business need this assistance more than ever and they need it now," said Earl Blumenauer (D-OR). “The American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help create jobs and help those who are trying to rebound from a recent lay-off, while making long-term investments in our nation’s infrastructure, schools, and health care system, laying the foundation for fiscal sustainability in the future."
“I believe this package is bold, is fast acting, and that it will create jobs. However it is also important that this package has an end date so that we don’t continue to incur additional unfunded obligations into the future," Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) said. “It strikes the right balance: tax cuts to give relief and spending power to 95 percent of American families, help for men and women hit the hardest by this recession, aid to state and local governments, and investment in infrastructure and new industries that will create jobs now.
“This plan is the FIRST crucial step in a concerted effort to create and save 3 to 4 million jobs and reinvigorate our stagnant economy. Just this week, we saw more people file for unemployment than at any time in the last 26 years," stated Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). “Many of us in this body, including myself, have been speaking about the perfect storm of financial irresponsibility that has been culminating. The truth is we should have taken this kind of aggressive action years ago and today we have finally constructed legislation which directly invests in the good people of America."
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create or save 4 million jobs over the next two years," said Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV). “In my district, thousands of construction workers will be put back to work improving infrastructure, building renewable energy facilities, improving school buildings and generally strengthening the future of our nation."
“This plan is all about jobs, jobs, jobs," said Joseph Crowley (D-NY). “With the economy in a downward spiral, Americans cannot afford inaction or partisanship. These investments will put Americans back to work, cut taxes for middle-class families, renovate our nation`s crumbling infrastructure and invest in our most important commodity - our citizens. America is home to the best and the brightest, and by working together we can get our economy back on track now and for our children."
“Florida’s families are facing the brunt of this economic recession. Our unemployment rate as of December was 8.1%, last year our economy lost 255,000 jobs, and just days ago, corporations announced over 75,000 layoffs nationwide. During times of economic downturn, when the nation sneezes, Florida catches a cold and without this package, we could suffer from a full blown pneumonia," said Rep. Kendrick Meek (D-FL). “This stimulus invests needed federal dollars to help revive Florida’s economy and assist our families to respond to this immediate emergency, and lay the foundation for a more prosperous future."
““Families in my district are gripped with anxiety about the economic challenges facing our nation. But they are also optimistic about the promise of our new President. They understand that swift, meaningful, bold action is needed to restore confidence in our markets, save jobs, and rebuild our economy. This plan achieves those goals. I am particularly proud of the major new investment in health information technology. By increasing the use of health IT from 25% of physicians today to 90% within ten years we will improve quality and save lives, while reducing costs for patients, employers and taxpayers," said Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).
“While the expense of this stimulus plan is massive, an economy losing 60,000 jobs in one day demands bold action," said Artur Davis (D-AL). “Alabama, in particular, will benefit from the recovery plan, which could add close to $800 million dollars to our Medicaid program and $960 million to restore critical education funding. If these funds make it to our state, our people may be spared debilitating reductions in both the quality of our schools and in the strength of our safety net for vulnerable Alabamians."
“We need this bill to address the urgent and dire economic conditions in North Carolina and across the country. The tax cuts and job creation provisions of H.R. 1 are a bold step that will put our economy back on track, quickly invest in the American people, and do so with accountability and transparency," said Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC).
“This recovery package will provide relief to those who need it most -- working families who have lost their jobs and health insurance - and allow them to get back on their feet. Investing in health care, businesses, and education not only strengthens the middle class, but supports vital services that hard working families rely on," said Linda T. Sanchez (D-CA). “In my home state of California, this stimulus plan will create an estimated 815,990 jobs by the end of 2010. This is a tremendous lift that will get the American economy moving in the short term and make investments for a stronger economy in the long term."
“Today, we took the bold steps necessary to put a floor under the downward spiral of the economy," said Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY). “By investing in education, American energy sources, and infrastructure, while providing tax relief to 95 percent of all Americans, the package offers a balanced approach to provide relief to struggling families, rebuild our communities, and immediately infuse the capital needed to get our economy back on track."
