January 28, 2003

Ninth Congressional District

U.S. Representative Nick Lampson issued the following statement in response to President Bush's State of the Union Address:

"This evening, President Bush spoke to the U.S. Congress and to America about the many challenges we are facing, both at home and abroad.  I was partially satisfied with the President's answers on Iraq, but completely unsatisfied with his plans for economic stimulus and growth.

"In October, I voted to give the President the authorization to use force against Iraq.  However, I am concerned from what I heard tonight that the push to go to Iraq is leapfrogging over pressing issues like finding Osama Bin Laden and Homeland Security.  The majority party has eliminated $2.5 billion in homeland security funding for first responders, port security, border security and nuclear security.  To fight a war on foreign soil without adequately protecting our communities is putting the cart before the horse.

"The more I listened to the President's economic plan, the more convinced I became that it does not address the issues my constituents are talking about -- stimulating the economy and creating jobs.  Last year the President talked about job growth and he talked about it again this year.  However, in the two years that he has been in office the total job loss has soared to over 1.7 million, the worst record on job creation since the end of World War II.  In the 9^th District of Texas alone, we have lost over 1,000 jobs in the past 5 weeks. 

"While we all like tax cuts and more money in our pockets, the real question about the President's economic plan is does it create jobs now?  The answer is no, the administration's policies do too little to stimulate the economy today.  An economic plan must be immediate, target as many people as possible and be fiscally responsible.  America and the people of the 9^th District of Texas need an economic stimulus plan that puts people to work now, not three years from now. 

"The priorities of Americans are clear.  They are saying we need jobs, give the inspections in Iraq time to work before sending our young people to war and fully fund our emergency responders and homeland security.  I'm not sure the President is listening, but I know I am and will continue to work hard for all of them."

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