Fast Redress Act of 2009
Floor Speech
FAST REDRESS ACT OF 2009 -- (House of Representatives - February 03, 2009)
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Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge support for real economic stimulus legislation. With terrible economic news coming in all the time, I'm eager to support legislation that will spur economic investment and put an infrastructure in place that will promote future economic development.
Folks in east Tennessee will tell you that the bill the House passed last week is a bad bill. It's bloated by wasteful spending. Back home, we're adapting to this troubling economic climate by tightening our belts and clamping down on unnecessary spending.
Many people are understandably upset that the Federal Government's reaction is exactly the opposite. They're amazed when we're prepared to spend an additional $819 billion of their money after a $700 billion bailout that was spent without anyone being able to give a straight answer about where the money went. They're skeptical of the results that we're getting, and so am I.
I think there are a few stimulative activities we should be taking a good look at. First, we should return more of the money we're taking in in Washington through tax cuts for people who pay taxes. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many economic experts, this is one of the most effective measures we can take. I would also cut taxes for small business who are going to create the jobs we need to get out of this economic crisis. These businesses can use this money to reinvest in plant equipment.
This weekend, I met a young man named Mike who is in deep trouble with his two restaurants. He doesn't have the capital to keep going on. He hires 21 people. This is someone we need to desperately help, and this story can be repeated across this Nation.
To those who've been put out of a job, I would eliminate the taxes on unemployment insurance. It is so counterproductive to provide people these benefits only to turn around and take part of the benefit right back, and it doesn't make any sense.
As a former mayor, I would also encourage meaningful infrastructure investment focused on improving our Nation's roads, sewers, and education. I know from my experience that these improvements lay the groundwork for future economic development that will benefit our children's generation. In Johnson City, Tennessee, the investments we made several years ago make our city attractive to businesses and homebuyers, which in turn promote economic development.
I hope the majority party will take these suggestions and incorporate them into their package so that the next bill we consider on the House floor will be an American stimulus package, not a Democrat or Republican stimulus package.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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