Bruce L. Braley: “today I encourage constituents to ``Buy American.'' Unfortunately, I am unable to speak on the floor today in support of…”

“today I encourage constituents to ``Buy American.'' Unfortunately, I am unable to speak on the floor today in support of H. Res. 977 because of a developing crisis in Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Massive flooding is leading to evacuations and it is only expected to get worse. Although I realize how important it is to cast votes in Washington, the well-being of my constituents comes first, and I need to be in the district to assist in any way I can. This January 29th Congress passed a bipartisan economic stimulus bill that provides rebate checks of up to $600 per individual and $1200 per married couple, plus an additional $300 per child. This stimulus package is temporary, timely, and targeted, and it will bring relief to working families. On February 13th President Bush signed this stimulus legislation into law. Just prior to that, on February 12th, I introduced H. Res. 977, a bipartisan Congressional resolution urging Americans receiving economic stimulus bill tax refund checks to buy American-made goods or services from American-owned companies with these rebates. Under the economic stimulus package passed by the House and Senate, 1.2 million Iowa households--and 117 million American households--will receive a tax rebate. The average Iowa household will receive a rebate of $917. The purpose of the economic stimulus package is to provide a jump- start to the American economy.…”