[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRESS WORKS FAST TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, BUT MORE WORK NEEDS 
                               TO BE DONE

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, economists said if Washington wanted to help 
jump-start our Nation's economy, it needed to act fast. That's exactly 
what we did. Congress acted in a strong bipartisan fashion to pass an 
economic stimulus plan that will be signed into law by President Bush 
today.
  The new law will put hundreds of dollars into the hands of more than 
130 million American families, including seniors and disabled veterans, 
who will then spend it to reinvigorate our economy.
  The law also expands financing opportunities for Americans who are in 
danger of losing their homes because of the mortgage crisis and 
promotes small business investment in plants and equipment.
  Mr. Speaker, Democrats are proud that we have been able to work so 
quickly to produce an economic stimulus plan that is timely, targeted 
and temporary. We are also proud of the fact that this package provides 
immediate relief to low- and middle-income families and small 
businesses that need the help the most.
  We will continue to rebuild and strengthen our economy, create good 
jobs, and give relief to families that are struggling to make ends 
meet.

                          ____________________