WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Ranking Member Jerry Lewis issued the following statement in response to the press release issued today by Committee Democrats outlining the proposed economic stimulus legislation.

“While we have yet to see the text of the stimulus legislation, we have serious concerns about its size, scope, and astronomical cost.  This legislation appears to blanket government programs in spending with little thought toward real economic results, job creation, or respect for the taxpayer. I’m scratching my head trying to determine how items like $50 million in funding for the National Endowment for the Arts will create jobs or provide relief for families across the country. 

“Pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into government programs and saddling future generations with this tab will exacerbate our nation’s economic challenges, not solve them. If we fail to protect the interest of the taxpayer and make funding decisions based on campaign pledges and political games, the results will be disastrous.

“Without more and better information on how, why, and if this proposal will create jobs and promote economic recovery, it would be irresponsible for the House to write an $825 billion dollar blank check with a good possibility of the Senate adding on even more spending. If taxpayers feel burdened now – especially on the heels of a $700 billion TARP package– wait until they get the bill for this.

“I look forward to the opportunity to discuss these serious concerns when our Committee marks up this legislation next week.”