[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E207-E208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2009

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making 
     supplemental appropriations for job preservation and 
     creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and 
     science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local 
     fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 
     2009, and for other purposes:

  Mr. HARE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
  One week ago, President Obama called for bold and swift action to 
address the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Millions 
of jobs have been lost, homes have been foreclosed, and families have 
been stretched to the limit. We must act now.
  I join my colleagues to give the American people hope that better 
days are ahead. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a 
downpayment on the investment of our future. It is the first vital step 
in an intensive effort to reinvigorate our economy by focusing on JOBS, 
JOBS, JOBS.
  This bill will save and create three to four million jobs by 
immediately putting people to work rebuilding our neglected roads and 
bridges. Further, the legislation confronts our 21st Century energy 
challenges by combating climate change and creating good-paying green 
jobs that cannot be outsourced. The bill also provides funding for 
education to ensure that every American has the ability to compete with 
any foreign worker in the new global economy.
  Additionally, the measure provides relief for those who lost their 
jobs and will help struggling families make ends meet while the economy 
recovers. In fact, if we do not pass this legislation the unemployment 
rate is expected to explode to staggering 12 percent.
  This legislation must pass if we are to overcome the economic crisis. 
I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the American Recovery and 
Reinvestment Act.

[[Page E208]]



                          ____________________