[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 27, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ECONOMIC RECOVERY PACKAGE INVESTS IN THOSE HARDEST HIT BY ECONOMY

  (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, as the economic recession worsens, millions 
of Americans are in financial trouble and looking for some immediate 
assistance, but help is on the way. Tomorrow this House will vote on 
the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will provide 3 to 4 
million jobs here in America.
  Those hit hardest by the economic crisis are the ones we need to help 
first, and we are doing that by extending unemployment benefits to 
people in America, millions who are still looking for jobs. It is 
difficult to find a job when thousands are being cut. Yesterday a 
record number of jobs were cut.
  Economists say one of the best ways to stimulate the economy is to 
put the money in the hands of people who will spend it immediately, 
spend it on necessities, and that's people who are out of work. That's 
something we are going to do.
  It's also critical to give those people health insurance, and we will 
provide the States with money so that they can continue to provide 
Medicaid to those people who need that assistance. There are nearly 7 
million unemployed Americans who need health insurance through COBRA. 
That will also be extended.
  Mr. Speaker, this economic recession has hurt millions. This Congress 
will respond and provide assistance.

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