[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 20 (Thursday, February 7, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H627]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    DEMOCRATS HAVE WORKED IN BIPARTISAN FASHION ON STIMULUS PACKAGE

  (Mr. KLEIN of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, our economy is in trouble, and 
millions of hardworking American families are feeling the impact as we 
speak. Since 2001, the real income of a typical working family has 
fallen by $2,500, and workers' wages have failed to keep up with the 
inflation for the fourth time in the past 5 years.
  In December, the unemployment rate shot up to a 2-year high of 5 
percent with over 900,000 more Americans looking for work over the same 
period last year. Stagnant wages are not only forcing families to 
squeeze more out of every dollar, but are also taking a toll on our 
overall economy. Retailers suffered their worst December shopping 
season in 5 years, and consumer confidence fell this month to its 
lowest point on record.
  Last week, the House approved a bipartisan economic package that will 
provide urgent relief to 117 million Americans. This is a fair economic 
package that gets money to the workers, the people who need it the 
most; and they are most likely to spend it on necessities like 
groceries and gas.
  Economists estimate that each dollar of the rebate will lead to $1.26 
in economic growth. Mr. Speaker, economists also say we have to act 
fast. That's exactly what this House did, and I hope the Senate joins 
us.

                          ____________________