On the recordJune 29, 2010
Madam Speaker, for years, reckless Republican economic policies and lax oversight of the financial industry led to an historic economic collapse for which everyday Americans are still paying the price, but now we are beginning to turn the corner. Today, we are creating jobs, not losing jobs. The unemployment rate is beginning to fall, and confidence is rising. Just as we are beginning to grow this economy, Republicans are prepared to stop the recovery in its tracks by blocking desperately needed job creation legislation. If we don't act now, the bedrock of our communities--our teachers and police and firefighters--will be laid off. Yet Republicans have blocked needed emergency aid to State and local governments. If we don't act now, unemployment assistance will be cut off for so many of our citizens--for the mothers and fathers who only want to find work to support their families. If we don't act now, up to 300,000 teachers will be fired. Instead of punishing the unemployed teachers and police, Republicans must stop blocking this urgent economic legislation. The time to act is now. ____________________





