The state of the American economy is not a matter that should be used as a bargaining chip in partisan debates. The threats of expiring unemployment insurance and tax breaks for the middle class should not be played about with in budget negotiations. I am committed to working with my colleagues to not only shore up those programs that help Americans right now, but to improve the economy for the long term. The time to fix our economy is right now.
We must continue to focus on stimulating our economy to ensure that America emerges a stronger and more prosperous nation. The current economic crisis is rooted in past irresponsibility of the government and the private sector. Looking toward the future, we must confront the causes and build a solid foundation for a new era of responsibility and transparency. I am proud to work with President Barack Obama to put America back on track towards a brighter fiscal future.
The key to economic recovery is putting Americans back to work. The American Jobs Act is a measure that I am proud to support. Partisan politics have no place in a debate where people’s livelihoods are concerned, and I was proud to vote in favor of this plan that extended the payroll tax cut—a measure that puts money directly in the pockets of Americans—and extended long-term unemployment insurance.
