WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins made the following statement after voting against H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Senate is expected to vote on H.R. 1 later today.

“There is no question about it – the American people are struggling, and our economy is in a recession. It is unacceptable for Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to decide to use our ailing economy as an opportunity to fund a long list of liberal pet projects. There have been claims that voting against H.R. 1 is voting to do nothing. I voted against this bill because it will cost Americans nearly $1 trillion and won’t work.”

“The Republicans had a better solution to provide fast-acting tax relief to working families and small businesses. Even President Obama’s own economic advisors said the alternative bill would create more jobs and cost less. This back-room spending deal was cut in secrecy and shut out the voice of the American people.

“This bill was crafted behind closed doors and was not even released until 11:00 last night. I am disappointed the conference committee decided to spend $8 billion on a high-speed railway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles and $300 million on “green” golf carts. Instead of putting an extra $200 in the pockets of ordinary Americans, Democrats chose a series of slow-spending initiatives that will take years, if ever, to improve the economy.

“The folks in the 2nd Congressional District need relief and assistance right now, but they have overwhelmingly asked me to vote against this bill. They know that slow and wasteful government spending is not the right way to turn our economy around. They have asked that before we pass the largest burden one generation has ever passed on to another that we take our time and make sure it will work.  Our children and grandchildren deserve no less.”