Washington, D.C. - Rep. Berman today joined a majority of his/her colleagues in the House of Representatives and backed legislation to boost our economy, create jobs, and help provide additional relief to families who are struggling. The Appropriations for Job Creation and Preservation, Infrastructure Investment, and Economic and Energy Assistance Act was passed by a vote of 264-158.

“This week the crisis on Wall Street has hit a fever pitch, but families in the Valley have been struggling for months,” said Berman. “Today, I was proud to back a solid recovery package that will help families in Los Angeles and across the country.”

Families across the country have felt the impact of Bush-McCain economic policies for months. 84,000 Americans lost their jobs last month and the number of unemployed Americans is the highest it has been since 1992.  The economy has lost jobs for eight straight months, with 605,000 American jobs lost this year.

The legislation approved today in the House extends unemployment benefits for the growing number of Americans looking for work, helps ensure families don’t go hungry by providing additional Food Stamp assistance and ensures Americans do not lose health coverage as a result of state budget crises.

The bill will also have an immediate effect on the economy by making investments in infrastructure projects that can start fast, meet existing needs, and create jobs.  These projects provide short term benefit by putting people to work and buying goods, but leave behind long term infrastructure improvements that will benefit Americans for years to come. Projects include bridge and highway construction, school reconstruction and additional funds to improve public transportation.

“We need to get the American people back to work, and this package will help create hundreds of thousands of new jobs and rebuild our country,” said XXXX. “After Republicans neglected our infrastructure, I voted to invest in America again.”

The House has previously acted to strengthen the economy and assist families. Earlier this year, Congress completed action on, and the White House signed economic stimulus legislation to help hardworking Americans who are struggling and Americans have received Recovery Rebates as a result of the Economic Stimulus package. The package provides rebate checks of up to $600 per individual and $1,200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child.

For more details on the legislation approved by the House this evening, visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/StimulusSummary09-26-08.pdf

# # #