WASHINGTON (24 Jan.) – U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), representing Florida's 9th Congressional District, today released the following statement on the announcement of a bipartisan agreement reached between Congressional leadership from both parties and the White House on an economic stimulus package.

The deal, announced Thursday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and the White House's lead negotiator, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, would be worth billions in tax rebates affecting more than 117 million families.

"I was encouraged by the swift progress and bipartisan spirit over the past week to put together a package of economic stimulus designed to get much needed relief into the hands of middle income families and small businesses.

"With the median household income in my congressional district hovering slightly above $40,000, many of my constituents and their families will benefit from this plan.

"Republican Leader Boehner was successful in ensuring that our party's pro-growth principles remain intact, while working closely with the Speaker to approve a package that both parties could accept.

"I urge Senate leaders to move this stimulus package with the same bipartisan vigor as the House, and to avoid adding any tax increases or unnecessary spending projects. In the end, this is not a perfect plan, but it is one that this economy needs now.

"As the first major accomplishment of the second session of the 110th Congress, I am hopeful that Congress will embrace this renewed willingness to work together to get things done. This bipartisanship should now be carried into other major reforms facing this Congress, including reforming the tax code, improving education and health care, and addressing the problem of wasteful and expansive government spending.”