January 18, 2008: Statement on Economic Stimulus Package

Rising unemployment, rising food, fuel, and health care costs, the homeforeclosure crisis, rising budget and trade deficits --all demandattention and action. A short term fiscal stimulus that reachesAmerica's workers, families, and communities is a step in the rightdirection. To build our nation forward at home again, and stem theoutsourcing of living wage jobs, requires more than a short-term fix.Our goal must be to invest here at home, and to export more than weimport to recapture dollars forfeited abroad.

I have suggested several ideas be incorporated into the short-term billthat will meet immediate needs while also investing in these longer-term objectives. Investing in our roads and community infrastructurecreates jobs and improved assets. Clean energy applications will createjobs and move our nation toward energy independence again. Immediate help in the form of food for our depleted food pantries and food kitchens is essential.

We must work quickly and precisely to address the fears of the American people. While details of the plan are still being worked out, I look forward to working with Speaker Pelosi and the President to accelerate the economy.