[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 191 (Wednesday, December 16, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H14984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          JOBS, JOBS, AND JOBS

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, while this House has made great strides to 
improve our economy, our journey towards economic recovery will not be 
complete until after a robust jobs package is passed. The nearly half a 
million unemployed New Jerseyans and over 15 million unemployed 
Americans simply cannot wait. They need jobs now, and they're relying 
on us to deliver it.
  In order to put Americans back to work and lay the groundwork for 
future growth, we must build on the investments in job creation we have 
already made; specifically, investments in infrastructure and clean 
energy: jobs to repair existing roads and bridges, jobs to improve 
public transportation and water infrastructure, and jobs in alternative 
energy initiatives, including solar and wind.
  In addition to job creation, we must also ensure that the unemployed 
can make ends meet while searching for jobs by continuing the extension 
of unemployment benefits and helping them maintain health care coverage 
by extending COBRA subsidies that are set to expire.
  Madam Speaker, our work is not done. We need to pass a bill that will 
generate jobs, jobs, and even more jobs--not in a month, not two, but 
now.

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