Political Quotes

Jerry Lewis: This program will cost about $30 billion if it follows that path. Yet despite pledges in this House to adhere to the…

On the recordMay 15, 2008
This program will cost about $30 billion if it follows that path. Yet despite pledges in this House to adhere to the letter and spirit of PAYGO, this bill does neither. Our colleagues' argument is that today's economic conditions constitute an emergency. Only 20 percent of all months since 1970 had a lower unemployment rate than today. So if we're in an emergency now, when won't we be in an emergency? We may as well just have extended unemployment benefits 100 percent Federally paid for forever and ever. It doesn't make sense, and it's very costly.
Said by
Jerry Lewis
California

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the economic implications of a proposed program during a House debate.

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