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Washington, D.C., Feb 13, 2009 -

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after voting against the Economic Stimulus Conference Report, H.R. 1:

“There is no question that our nation is facing a serious economic situation and American families are hurting. But when I talk with constituents and friends back at home, it is not the economic numbers, the financial statistics, or the raw data that is important to them. What is important to them are the personal financial situations that they and their families and friends are struggling with every single day. Americans understand that it is because of our economic situation that we cannot wastefully spend money. Now more than ever we must make sure that any economic recovery plan is focused and is going to work.

“Just last year, Americans lost $14 trillion in total wealth. The fundamental question we have to ask is this – are we simply going to redistribute what is left or are we going to embark on a plan to rebuild what we’ve lost? I believe, and the American people believe, that we have a responsibility to our country and to our future generations to rebuild what we’ve lost. Unfortunately, the economic stimulus package we voted on today is nothing more than a redistribution plan. Americans know the answer to our economic situation is to grow our economy, not to grow our government. Americans deserve a plan that invests in real and long-term economic growth. Americans deserve better than what Congress gave them today.”

Congressman Forbes is one of only 17 out of 435 Members of the House of Representatives that have voted against every single bailout and stimulus package to date. He 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.

To read more on Congressman Forbes' thoughts on the economic stimulus bill, read his column, The Commonsense Approach.

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