Smith Opposes Massive Stimulus Bill

Statement

Smith Opposes Massive Stimulus Bill

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today voted against the $819 billion economic stimulus package, citing unrelated spending, wasteful earmarks, and the harmful impact to our nation's federal debt. The bill passed 244-188, along party lines.

"There is no doubt our economy faces serious challenges. Plummeting home values, months of record-high energy costs, a freeze in the credit markets - all have had an impact. Any action Congress takes must be designed to improve the economy, not make it worse. This bill, however, would add more than $1 trillion to our country's debt, contains unrelated increases in federal spending, and will more than likely lead to higher taxes," Smith said.
"I appreciate President Obama reaching across party lines and I hope he can convince others in his party to take conservative ideas into consideration. For example, this effort would have proven far more effective had the Majority party included Republican principles such as reducing wasteful spending and creating jobs through immediate tax relief for middle-class families and small businesses," Smith said.

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