Republicans reach new low in March to block economic recovery

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after Republicans used political tricks to block the job-creating COMPETES Act from passing.

“Democrats in the House believe that America must be at the forefront of innovation and achievement in order to build our economy for the long term. America has led the world in every technological achievement of the last century – computers, cars, the internet – and we can continue to lead. Apparently my Republican colleagues don’t agree. Unfortunately, other countries like China and Brazil aren’t dragging their feet the way Republicans in Congress would like America to drag ours. And, because of their actions we risk falling behind.

“Today, they used cheap political stunts to stop us from investing in the industries and technologies that will shape the global economy of the future. They are clearly more concerned about their 30-second ads this election than breaking America of our dependence on foreign oil, and educating our students to succeed in the jobs of this global economy. They are willing to cede America’s high-ground in order to score political points.

“The difference between our parties couldn’t be clearer than it is today. We are on the side of progress. We are on the side of the entrepreneurs who will revolutionize our economy. We are on the side of maintaining America’s global leadership. They are on the side of simply saying ‘no.’”

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