Robert Torricelli: “since last January, economic growth has slowed in our country and nearly 2 million Americans have lost their jobs.…”

“since last January, economic growth has slowed in our country and nearly 2 million Americans have lost their jobs. Behind them are children whose tuition is in danger and families who are in trouble with mortgage payments or rents that are due. There is an enormous loss of family security. The tragedy of terrorist attacks in September only exacerbated the already slowing economy. As Americans continue to suffer the effects of this economic decline, Congress simply needs to implement a plan to deal with their pain and to help the recovery. That opportunity was lost in the closing weeks of last year. It cannot be lost again. The Democratic leadership has brought to the Senate floor a modest proposal to stimulate economic growth and national recovery. It contains four principal provisions that both parties included in their economic recovery plans last year. One would assume, therefore, since they are four common elements previously proposed by both parties, they should be acceptable now. The four elements combined provide effective short-term stimulus to bring the most economic activity with the least damage to the Nation's fiscal health.”