(Washington, D.C.) Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers released the following statement after the House of Representatives’ vote on an $825 billion dollar economic stimulus plan.

“The economy is the biggest issue facing Eastern Washington families, farmers and small businesses.  Americans are concerned about keeping their jobs, their homes and they want Congress to act.

“Despite many good and positive aspects of this stimulus bill, I was not able to support today’s bill.  It is once again too little, too late. 

• Too little, because only five percent of this legislation builds roads and highways. 
• Too late because most of the package will not take effect until 2010 or later.

“Further, this bill still contains too many pork barrel earmarks and wasteful government spending.

“Pouring more gas into a broken car isn’t going to get us anywhere, except to the poorhouse.  Despite earlier bailouts and rescues, home prices have plummeted and banks are asking for more money. 

“I don’t support the idea of on-going government programs that just keep growing and growing, which today’s bill fuels.

“Instead, we need to invest in infrastructure now – roads, highways, transit, energy generation, exploration and transmission – real innovation and construction that will create jobs.  We need to build something of lasting value and stop when we’re done.  We need to help home owners, invest in American energy independence and help relieve the tax burden on all tax payers.”

Contact:
Destry Henderson
202-225-2006
202-279-0418