As Congress returns from August recess, I urge them to find solutions to the problems facing middle-class Americans. It is time to change the priorities in Washington and move past partisan bickering to effect real change. With a flailing economy, one of the worst housing crises in memory, and record high energy prices conspiring against working families, Congress needs to quickly pass a middle-class tax cut.
Congress must address the economy. With the national unemployment rate at a five-year high and Ohio's unemployment rate even higher, more needs to be done to turn our financial ship around.
With the government takeover of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, it is evident that more needs to be done to stabilize the housing industry. The Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 was a good first step, but millions of families are still in danger of losing their homes and many more are seeing the value of their homes decrease significantly. Congress should pass meaningful legislation to allow bankruptcy courts to modify subprime home loans much like they can for commercial real estate. Also, Congress should take a look at some of the deregulation put forth by banking lobbyists that has led to millions of Americans losing their homes.
Congress needs to make a serious commitment to fix our energy crisis. Congress should pass legislation to encourage oil companies to drill on the 68 million acres of land they already own and look to increase offshore drilling in a responsible way. At the same time, Congress needs to take bold action beyond drilling to end our addiction to foreign oil. As Senator Obama said during his presidential nomination acceptance speech, our county should set its sights on ending our reliance on oil from foreign dictators. I have put forth a bold energy plan that will create jobs and help end our addiction to foreign oil by setting a goal of every automobile built in America powered by alternative fuels by 2020. Read more about my energy plan.
America's middle class is the engine of our economy. Unfortunately, eight years of the Bush economic plan has failed the middle class. Rising energy costs, flat wages and shrinking benefits are making it harder to get ahead. As a Congresswoman, I will put forth a bold middle class tax plan that will help everyone succeed, not just the most privileged 1%. Read more about my tax plan that will help regular, middle class Americans succeed. Congress should enact such a middle class tax plan this fall so American families can start receiving relief now.