Ed Markey: “today we're responding with determination and bold action to combat the most severe economic crisis our country has…”

“today we're responding with determination and bold action to combat the most severe economic crisis our country has faced since the Great Depression. For years, as hardworking American families struggled to make ends meet and the economy shed millions of jobs, Republicans told us not to worry--we are in the midst of a ``jobless recovery'', they said. But ``jobless recovery'' is an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms, like jumbo shrimp or Salt Lake City nightlife--it just doesn't exist! The failed ``laissez-faire'' approach of the past 8 years has now been discredited by rising unemployment, loss of confidence in our financial markets and the economic hardships suffered by families across the country. For millions of Americans, ``laissez-faire'' is just a fancy name for ``left behind.'' With this economic recovery package, we are taking the bold action that is needed by creating or saving 3-and-a-half million jobs, rebuilding America, making us more globally competitive and energy independent, and transforming our economy. While our country is facing enormous challenges, we also have a once- in-a-generation opportunity to create millions of new jobs, invest in vital priorities and position our economy for future growth. Today we are seizing this historic opportunity and setting our country on a new direction.”