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Committee on Ways and Means

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office 202-225-8933
February 14, 2002

CHAIRMAN BILL THOMAS
FLOOR STATEMENT ON THE
ECONOMIC SECURITY AND WORKER ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2002

As prepared for delivery

Why do we find ourselves back on the floor of this House, considering an economic security bill for the third time?  The House has already done its work by passing two economic recovery bills last year.

We’re here again because the economy is not yet healthy.  While some economic indicators say we’re improving, others point to continued troubles.

We’re here again because American families still need tax relief to help make ends meet. They need health insurance. We’re here because businesses still need incentives to invest and to create jobs. And because folks need a reason to believe the immediate future will be better than the immediate past.

We’re here again because the two economic recovery and worker assistance bills passed by the House have not become law. The other body has not passed legislation to meet the pressing needs of millions of American workers whose livelihoods and confidence in the future were lost in the wake of September 11.

Many things have been left undone. Almost two million American workers have lost their jobs since the recession began in March of last year, and they need more than unemployment, more than welfare. They need paychecks. And they need them sooner, not later. They need economic security. If you’re unemployed, the difference between recovery in March and recovery in September may be six months of worrying that your kids could get hurt, because without health insurance, you couldn’t afford the medical bills. Or six months of wondering if your company will have to lay you off because without tax relief they can’t pay your salary.  Six months of worrying if your unemployment benefits will run out before you find work.

We’re here again because we believe an effective bill to revive the economy will still make a difference. Helping Americans get back on their feet will ensure that the economic recovery we believe is already underway will be faster, deeper and more robust.

We’re here again because we have an obligation to help.