Press Release
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For Immediate Release |
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| NEW DEMS APPLAUD INCLUSION OF COALITION PRIORITIES IN AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT Centrist Coalition Championed Transformational Initiatives Such As Health Information Technology, Broadband Investment, Funding for Innovation Agenda |
| Washington, D.C. — {(Washington D.C.) – The leadership of the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), the largest coalition of centrist House Democrats, today praised passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. A number of New Democrat priorities were included in the legislation, including health information technology, broadband investment, and funding for the Innovation Agenda. The NDC pushed for additional provisions that were included in the final measure, such as more funding for Smart Grid Technology, Comparative Effectiveness Research, and Trade Adjustment Assistance. See the NDC letter to Leadership on their priorities in the economic recovery package http://www.house.gov/kind/pdf/RecoveryPackage.pdf. “In the face of a severe economic crisis, we’ve taken bold and decisive action by approving an economic recovery and reinvestment package to get our economy back on track,” said NDC Chair Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA). “This is one step to jump starting our economy, putting Americans back to work and getting businesses to expand. We will need to take more steps in the future. But by making significant investments in our infrastructure, health care system, schools and environment, we are taking a solid first step to put Americans back to work and get our economy growing again.” “This bill strikes a smart balance of tax relief, aid to states and those in need, and investment in America’s future,” said NDC Vice-Chair Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI). “The transformational changes this bill makes in the areas of health care, energy, and broadband technology will build the 21st century economy and create the jobs of the future. While the bill recognizes our current economic situation by working to stem job losses and help those who are struggling now, it is also a forward-looking bill designed to fuel sustained economic growth well into the future.” “With the economy in a downward spiral, our nation cannot afford inaction or partisanship and sending this bill to the President is step one towards providing Americans real relief,” said NDC Whip Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY). “We lost a staggering 2.6 million American jobs in the last year of the Bush Administration, and the critical investments in this bill will put Americans back to work, cut taxes for 95% of Americans, renovate our nation's crumbling infrastructure and invest in our most important commodity – our citizens. This is just the first step -- New Dems will continue to work closely with members and the Administration to put our economy back on track. ” (more) “This bill puts the money where it matters, combining investment in infrastructure, education, health IT and green energy with relief for struggling small businesses and tax cuts for middle-class families to create jobs and get our economy moving,” said NDC Vice-Chair Rep. Melissa Bean (D-IL). “The plan is bold, broad-based and balanced, and I applaud my colleagues for taking quick action in the face of this economic crisis.” “The economy is in crisis – my constituents and I see it every day, and that is why it was essential that we took action today,” said NDC Vice-Chair Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA). “This economic recovery plan provides relief, creates jobs, and lays the groundwork for future economic growth. It is a smart, timely investment to meet today's challenges and fulfill America's promise.” “The Economic Recovery Plan passed by the House today will help stimulate our economy in the short-term and lay the foundation for long-term broad based economic viability,” said NDC Vice-Chair, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA). “I am particularly pleased that the bill makes immediate investments in key areas where the New Dem Coalition has been a consistent leader, such as the expansion of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program and our information technology infrastructure.” The New Democrat Coalition, longtime leaders on the economy and innovation, is committed to enacting policies to maintain our competitive edge, meet the challenges posed by globalization, and strengthen our national security. A steadfast commitment to forward-thinking policies on economic growth and innovation initiatives is necessary so that the U.S. remains the most competitive and innovative nation in the world. ### |