[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ECONOMIC STIMULUS ACT OF 2008

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 7, 2008

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my appreciation 
to the House Democratic and Republican leadership and to our colleagues 
in the Senate for the bipartisan effort that has produced timely, 
targeted, and temporary legislation to stimulate our Nation's slowing 
economy. I am also pleased that the legislation we are about to 
consider ensures that our Nation's senior citizens and disabled 
veterans are not left out of this worthwhile package.
  Because of my concerns that the bill we considered last week did not 
include low-income seniors and disabled, I led the effort in the House 
to ensure that those who depend entirely on their Social Security 
checks were included in the final version of this legislation. I am 
very pleased that the Senate agreed and expanded the economic stimulus 
package to provide these Americans with much-needed relief. I urge my 
colleagues in the House to do the same.
  Our Nation's seniors and disabled veterans are facing difficult 
economic times. For years, these men and women have been forced to 
survive on less and less as their costs continue to increase and their 
incomes remain the same. These Americans need cash rebates just as much 
as the individuals originally included in the stimulus package.
  I am also pleased to see that the legislation we are about to vote on 
includes language that would ensure that illegal immigrants do not 
receive cash benefits that should only go to those who rightfully 
deserve them. This language mirrors legislation that I introduced in 
the House today.
  Finally, the bill before us contains an important provision that I 
helped to craft as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets. 
Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises. This reform will 
temporarily increase the conforming loan limits of Fannie Mae and 
Freddie Mac to enhance the liquidity of our mortgage markets. I support 
this short-term change.
  Madam Speaker, once again I wish to applaud the efforts of both the 
Members of the House and Senate in crafting legislation that will spur 
our economy, provide rebates to those that need them most, and ensure 
that those ineligible for federal benefits do not receive them.

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