Share This Page Slashdot Del.icio.us Google Digg Reddit Newsvine Furl Yahoo Facebook

Washington, D.C., Jan 28, 2009 -

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1, the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:

“There is no doubt that we are at a critical time in our economic situation. American families are hurting and something must be done. The crucial nature of this problem makes it even more imperative that we pass an economic recovery bill that results in accountable and transparent spending, and that will be effective in helping people who need it most. I am one of only 16 out of 435 Members of the House that voted against every single bailout and stimulus package to date. I did so because the packages lacked those critical components of accountability, transparency, and effectiveness. So far, we’ve seen that none of those packages have worked.

“The stimulus package we voted on today was no different. The $819 billion package spends nearly $225,000 for every job it creates because much of the bill is wasteful spending that does not stimulate the economy. With our economy faltering, I am not willing to continue to invest in a model of we know is ineffective. The American people deserve a plan from their government that invests in real and long-term economic growth.”

Congressman Forbes is a cosponsor of the Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act, H.R. 470, legislation designed to provide broad, permanent incentives for economic growth, with immediate and long-term benefits based on three main themes: 1) Supporting Families through Tax Relief; 2) Providing Economic Relief for American Businesses and Entrepreneurs; and 3) Saving Future Generations from a Crushing Debt Burden.

For more information on Congressman Forbes’ work on economic issues, visit http://forbes.house.gov/issues/economy.htm.