For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, November 14, 2001

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Using a procedural tactic, a determined minority of Senators delayed the Economic Stimulus package today, effectively preventing the bill from being passed before the Thanksgiving holiday. The Stimulus bill included tax cuts, unemployment and health benefits for laid-off workers, funding for homeland security and was the vehicle through which Murray had hoped to attach her bill for a National Sales Tax Holiday.

"We need a stimulus package and we need one immediately," said Murray. "I am deeply disappointed that for the second time in a month, a minority in the Senate has managed to kill an unemployment package for laid-off workers. Our economy is in tough shape and in need of immediate stimulus."