Washington, DC – Congressman Blumenauer (D-OR) spoke at the hearing on economic recovery, job creation, and investment in America, held today before the House Ways and Means Committee. Witnesses testified to the need for increased assistance for families and local government agencies struggling in the current crisis. Congressman Blumenauer has issued the following statement:

“With the economy in peril, a decaying infrastructure and a carbon-constrained environment, American families are turning to Congress for solutions. They’re asking how we can help them. They’re asking what Congress and the new administration can do to renew and rebuild America.

“We’ve got to be looking at short-term specifics as well as the big picture. For instance, what should be done about local government agencies, school districts, and transit agencies that have never missed a debt service payment, yet cannot get the credit they need to stay afloat? We need specific approaches to stabilize and help not just big business and lending institutions, but American families and credit-worthy Main Street institutions as well.

“American families also want answers that go beyond the short term economic crisis; they need long-term solutions that will be there for them, year in and year out. I would deeply appreciate your insights on how we can best restore economic security and stability for struggling American families, as well as state and local governments."