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February 10, 2009 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson released this statement following the crucial vote to pass the economic recovery package in the Senate:
“Today, we threw a lifeline to millions of American families, business owners and workers being dragged down by the sinking economy.
“The Senate’s bill, while not perfect, will create or save thousands of jobs for Nebraskans, helping teachers, health care professionals, constructions workers and small business employees struggling in these unusually troubled times.
“The Senate’s package of tax cuts for the middle class and job creation must be large enough to return our economy to prosperity. But it’s much more focused on jobs after Senator Susan Collins of Maine, I and a bipartisan group of senators cut $110 billion of non-stimulative spending. Our Nelson-Collins revision won wide support from Nebraska businesses and businesses nationwide.
“I have heard from Nebraskans who supported efforts to cut spending. I also have heard from Nebraska constituents – including businesses, employees, state and local officials, and supporters of higher education—who opposed cuts based on their belief that it would increase employment and economic growth in Nebraska. Many have expressed interest in restoring funding in the conference committee or through the regular appropriations process.
“The final plan worked out by the House and Senate must not stray far – in material changes or cost – from the leaner jobs bill the Senate approved, or it could lose critical support.
“We need a sizable plan targeted to jobs and promoting near-term economic growth to pull our economy up by its bootstraps. Taxpayers also must get the most bang for the buck.
“While some want this effort to fail for political reasons, many Nebraskans who have contacted me questioning provisions of this bill have legitimate concerns. I share some of those concerns. But our state unemployment is up, income is down, thousands of Nebraskans have recently been laid off and new layoff announcements arrive with a steady flow of bad news.
“Faced with that, I fear if we delay--waiting to see if another plan emerges and can win 60 votes needed for Senate approval, or another six months to see if economic conditions get worse--it may be too late. Today’s economic problems could mushroom, engulfing our nation in a crisis that could take years or decades from which to recover.
“Throughout my Senate career, I have always looked for solutions no matter which political party controlled the White House or Congress. In this bipartisan stimulus effort, all senators were welcome to participate and Senator Collins and I personally reached out to several dozen of our colleagues.
“The nearly 20 senators who hammered out the Nelson-Collins bipartisan compromise understand the need for Congress to act responsibly but also quickly to try to turn our economy around now.”
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