Jon L. Christensen: “This body passed a very good recovery package. It's important to note, as we prepare to go to conference, that most…”

“This body passed a very good recovery package. It's important to note, as we prepare to go to conference, that most economists have warned that it would be a far greater risk to pass one that is too small and that, therefore, it would be better to take that risk on the side of making the package a bigger one. The increase in food stamps and unemployment benefits, the tax credits, all begin to put money in the hands where it's needed. Robust State stabilization funds and infrastructure projects, green jobs, small business and training provisions create and replace the millions of jobs lost over the past 8 years. That's the recovery part. These and the education, health care, broadband and renewable energy provisions are the critical reinvestments and the important change that Americans voted for and want the President and Congress to bring about. We should keep much that the Senate put in and keep our provisions, even if it means a bill that may cost $900 billion, because it would have the dramatic impact our communities need today and build the strong foundation our Nation needs for the future. The American people want and need change. Let's begin it with a robust American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”