[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT WILL REVITALIZE THE ECONOMY

  (Mr. BLUMENAUER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I just listened to my friend from 
Colorado expound upon the problems of deficit spending. Well, he's 
absolutely right about the deficit spending from the Republican 
administration and Congress. They piled up debt with tax cuts for 
people who didn't need it, a reckless war in Iraq on a credit card.
  This package that's coming before us today is actually doing 
something for the American people, investing in infrastructure and 
energy. It is looking to a plan for the recovery of the economy, using 
new technology and new ways of doing business, getting more value out 
of our investment.
  I am pleased that the President reached out to the other side of the 
aisle even as their leaders were saying before the meeting they were 
against his package. But I am pleased, while he reached out, he was 
unwavering in his commitment that our package is going to focus on the 
people who need help the most, revitalizing the economy, and moving us 
forward.
  I look forward to the passage today of this legislation and further 
refinement as we move it through Congress with our new administration.

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