[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 172 (Wednesday, December 12, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H9244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STIMULUS PACKAGE NEEDED TO HELP UNEMPLOYED, NOT JUST THE WEALTHY

  (Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Federal Reserve cut short-
term interest rates for the eleventh time in as many months. However, 
the U.S. economy continues to grow weaker. Last month the Nation's 
unemployment rate hit a 6-year high of 5.7 percent. Industry production 
appears to be at its weakest level in 20 years. Factories are operating 
at the lowest levels of capacity since 1983.
  These statistics translate into Americans losing jobs, and with them 
the means to obtain health care, food and shelter. The Latino community 
for example is the fastest growing segment of the workforce, but is one 
of the most vulnerable, as many Latino workers are concentrated in low-
wage industries with unsteady work.
  Mr. Speaker, it is good, commonsense public policy to stimulate the 
economy by putting money in the hands of people who need it most and 
who will spend it immediately. This action increases the demand for 
goods and services, which is the only way to get our Nation's business, 
all of the businesses, investing, producing, and hiring again. Congress 
must pass a stimulus package that helps the unemployed, not only the 
wealthy.

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