[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 28, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              OUR ECONOMY

  (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Republican 
fiscal policies that have led the United States economy to an expansion 
rate of 3.5 percent in 2005. Over the last year we have experienced 
real economic successes as a result of our legislation that puts 
American families first.
  In 2005 we witnessed historically low unemployment rates, a GDP 
growth rate of 4.3 percent, and 30 straight months of employment gains. 
It is no wonder consumer confidence rose last month to the highest 
level in several years. The current unemployment rate of 4.7 percent is 
lower than the average rates in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
  Our policies, Mr. Speaker, are working. And just last month our 
payroll employment rose by another 193,000 jobs.
  Mr. Speaker, our economy is strong. Household net worth is at an all-
time high. Construction spending is at an all-time high. Homeownership 
is at an all-time high.
  I think we can all see the trend developing here. As a Congress, we 
must adhere to the principles of lower taxes and more responsible 
government spending. These are the policies that have a proven track 
record of growing our economy. I am greatly encouraged that economic 
forecasters project our robust economy will continue in 2006.

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