On the recordMarch 9, 2011
The Republicans have been in control of this Chamber for the last 10 weeks now, and we have taken 164 recorded votes. Yet they still have no plan to create jobs and spur economic growth. Instead of tackling unemployment, my Republican colleagues have now turned their efforts toward eliminating vital programs that are helping families deal with the fallout of the mortgage crisis. Seven million families have lost their homes with another 3 million foreclosures expected through 2012. And what is the Republicans' response to this crisis? They want to terminate programs designed to help homeowners keep their houses and avoid foreclosures. This week they will bring a bill to the floor that will abolish a program that makes temporary loans to unemployed homeowners to help cover mortgage payments until they can find a job. Mr. Speaker, it is bad enough that they have no plan in sight to bring Americans back to work; but to actually put their energy towards ending programs that are helping the unemployed during difficult times is unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to stop cutting programs that will keep American families in their homes and focus the legislation on creating jobs and move the economy forward.
