Congressman Henry Cuellar today voted in support of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which will create millions of jobs and jumpstart the economic recovery.

Congressman Cuellar released the following statement on the vote:

 “We’re facing a once-in-a-lifetime crisis that demands a once-in-a-lifetime response.  Economists across the political spectrum agree that bold and decisive action is the only path that offers a real chance at economic recovery.

“Given the need for hundreds of billions in economic life support, my job is to help make sure that Texas receives our fair share so that we can do our part to rebuild the economy.

“Today’s bill invests $3 billion in Texas infrastructure:  shovel-ready projects that will create jobs today and serve our communities for decades.  It includes $7.3 billion for Texas schools:  money that will strengthen the economy immediately and improve our children’s lives for a generation.  It invests $1.15 billion in land ports of entry, creating jobs in Texas and harnessing the power of trade to jumpstart our economy.  And it will cut taxes for 95% of working Texans.

“As we do what must be done in the short term to deal with the economic emergency, we must not lose sight of the long term.  America’s budget deficits are crippling our economy and undermining our national security, and we cannot afford for any of today’s spending to disappear into waste or fraud.

“Once these funds are passed into law, the next step will be aggressive, unprecedented oversight to make sure that every penny is accounted for and spent wisely.”

Further information on the bill’s appropriations provisions is available at http://appropriations.house.gov/pdf/PressSummary01-21-09.pdf.  Details of the tax relief provisions are online at http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/110/taxsum.pdf.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees in the 111th Congress.  Accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

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