Mr. MICHAUD. Almost every Mainer has been affected by this recession or knows someone who's been struggling. Moving forward into the new year, our Nation's record unemployment rate threatens our economic recovery.

While I do not support a second stimulus bill, we must refocus our efforts on initiatives that create jobs and promote long-lasting economic development. We must continue to help those who are unemployed in this country support their families until they are able to find a job. And we must pass serious reforms and make efforts to reduce our unsustainable debt, because we cannot grow our economy on the backs of future generations.

Any initiatives considered by Congress must be targeted and fiscally responsible to build a foundation for long-term economic growth.