[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 31 (Monday, February 23, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E293-E294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 13, 2009

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference 
report accompanying H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Investment Act.
  This jobs creation package comes at a critical time for our nation as 
we face one of the greatest economic crises in our country's history. 
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate 
in my home state of Texas climbed from 4.2 percent in December 2007 to 
6 percent in December 2008. The employment situation has grown worse in 
2009 as major employers across the country continue to cut tens of 
thousands of jobs. These dire circumstances require swift and bold 
action by the Congress to create jobs, jumpstart growth, and transform 
our economy to compete in the 21st century.
  I support the American Recovery and Investment Act because it will 
help businesses create jobs and will allow families to afford their 
bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas 
like health care, clean energy, education, and infrastructure. This 
$789 billion compromise package will create or save 3.5 million jobs 
nationwide over the next two years. This comes down to an estimated 
269,000 jobs in Texas and 7,600 jobs in my congressional district. The 
jobs created will be in a range of industries from education to 
healthcare, with over 90 percent in the private sector.
  The tax cuts in the legislation will place more money in American 
workers' wallets by providing direct tax relief to 95 percent of 
workers. This refundable tax credit of up to $400 per person or $800 
per couple will provide much needed tax relief and help stimulate our 
economy.
  By offering an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance 
benefits, this bill will help the 677,000 workers in Texas who have 
lost their jobs in this recession as well as provide extended 
unemployment benefits to an additional 125,000 laid-off Texas workers.

[[Page E294]]

  I am particularly pleased that this legislative package will provide 
funding to modernize schools in Texas. According to preliminary 
estimates, El Paso-area school districts could receive tens of millions 
of dollars in funding for renovation projects, Title I grants to help 
disadvantaged children, and grants for special education. Our schools 
have been neglected for far too long and this important funding will 
ensure that our children have the labs, classrooms, and libraries that 
are necessary to learn and compete in a global economy.
  The legislation's huge investment in our nation's roads, bridges, and 
mass transit systems will greatly assist several projects in my 
district that have gone without necessary repairs and upgrades for 
years. By investing in these neglected projects we will create good 
jobs as well as make much needed improvements to our nation's 
infrastructure.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this economic 
recovery bill that will help average Americans, as well as cash-
strapped state and local governments, weather this current economic 
downturn.

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