Fortenberry: ‘I could not ask Nebraskans to pay for poor governance elsewhere’

Washington, DC - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry today released the following statement on his vote against H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:
 
“I do not want to see any family face unemployment or foreclosure, or any business experience a downturn. However, after carefully deliberating on the size, scope, and sustainability of the economic package, and meeting with President Obama and members of his administration, I could not in good conscience vote for this bill.

“A number of important bold ideas were included, such as alternative energy for a sustainable energy future, a modern electric grid, and health information technology, which I would support on their own merit. Yet a substantial portion of assistance goes to subsidizing states, which delays tough choices at a local level. Some states, like Nebraska, have thus far responsibly managed their budgets, even in tough times, and I could not ask Nebraskans to pay for poor governance elsewhere.”

H.R. 1, known as the $816 billion stimulus package, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 244 to 188 on January 28, 2009.

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