WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following remarks after the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

“Eight years of the Bush Administration’s failed policies have left our economy in a deep and cavernous hole.  The climb out will be steep. With the strength and courage of President Obama, this Congress and the American people it will be steady.  Today we are voting on one bold and historic step out of this hole.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act offers the short term help and long term solutions that this country needs.  It invests quickly in our economy to create or save at least 3.5 million jobs nationally – 41,000 in my home state of Connecticut, and provide tax cuts for the middle class.  And, it puts us on a path towards economic strength and stability for the future with bold reforms and new priorities.

 

“This legislation makes a critical investment in our country’s greatest resource: our children.  We are helping local school districts in the short-term with over $53 billion in aid, to keep our teachers in the classroom.  We are also making a down-payment on our country’s future. With this legislation, we are helping to build the workforce of the future with funding for Head Start programs and Pell Grants, and modernizing our schools to give our students the tools they need to succeed.  

 

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act recognizes the important role our infrastructure will play in our economic recovery.  Our roads and bridges are in serious need of repair and our public transportation desperately needs modernization. The funding provided in this legislation for infrastructure will create good paying jobs – many within the next few months.  It also invests in the transportation of tomorrow with over $8 billion in funding for high speed rail -- taking cars off the road, and improving our environment.          

 

“With this legislation we will begin to make the tough choices to create a new American energy industry that will create jobs now and decrease our dependence on foreign oil.  This investment will help families reduce their energy bills and create “green jobs” while advancing American ingenuity and innovation.

 

“Our work will not end when this bill is signed into law.  As President Obama has said, it will take time and a lot of hard work to get this economy moving.  This President, this Congress and the American people have the courage and fortitude to rebuild and recover. Today we began that journey.”