“I agree that we need action to encourage economic growth and job creation, but it has to be focused on those that create the most jobs— small businesses,” Congressman Thornberry said.  “Sixty to eighty percent of jobs are created by small businesses. Any attempt to save or create jobs must focus on that vital part of our economy,” Congressman Thornberry said.

The bill costs more than $800 billion – enough to write every man, woman, and child in the United States a check for $2,700— and it spends money on more than 150 federal programs, ranging from the National Endowment for the Arts to the renovation of the Department of Agriculture’s headquarters. While some of these programs may be beneficial, their effectiveness at helping grow the economy is questionable.

“All of us are very concerned about the state of our economy.  It is appropriate, in my view, for Congress and the Administration to take action that will encourage job creation and economic growth, but we will not borrow and spend our way back to a growing economy,” Congressman Thornberry concluded.

To view the full text of H.R. 1, please click here.