Brian Votes for Economic Recovery Legislation

Statement

Brian Votes for Economic Recovery Legislation

With the country facing economic conditions not seen since the Great Depression, Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA-03) has taken decisive action to help stimulate the stagnant economy, and rebuild America's infrastructure in the process. Today, Congressman Baird joined with a majority of Members of Congress to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Congressman Baird has long championed that any stimulus spending include major investments in infrastructure.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes 157 billion dollars in infrastructure spending that according to the Congressional Budget Office will create more than 1.5 million new jobs nationwide. Washington state will potentially receive more than 847 million dollars in infrastructure funding.

In response to the vote, Congressman Baird released the following statement:

"We are dealing with some of the most disastrous economic conditions since the Great Depression. We have to get people back to work, and this legislation takes major steps to ensure that it happens.

I have long advocated that any recovery package include major investments in infrastructure and renewable energy. From roads, to schools, to waste water treatment plants, there is plenty of work to be done in Southwest Washington, and there are plenty of people willing to work. This legislation provides the money necessary to get those projects moving. We are borrowing this money from our children, and we need to make sure they get something for their investment.

Yet, it's important for us to remember that this bill is not a magic wand. Our economy will remain in a very fragile state. The conditions created by excessive debt on both the federal and personal level, our rising trade deficit, and the rising costs of energy all suggest that we will have to continue to endure some painful economic times for some time to come."

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