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Press Release

Upton Statement on Stimulus Package

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) made the following statement today following the House passage of H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Upton was disappointed that the bill that was considered in the House today did not live up to the promise of bipartisanship.

“Nobody knows more than Michigan’s working families that we desperately need help now – but we need a responsible package that directs resources to immediately jumpstart our economy and create good paying jobs.

“I was encouraged by our meeting with President Obama on Tuesday and am heartened that he will fulfill his pledge to work together in crafting a bipartisan package that will swiftly benefit those folks who need it most.  The President understands the need for both tax relief and infrastructure spending – the need for a plan that can succeed with the support of both Republicans and Democrats.

“The 244 to 188 result, without a single Republican vote in support demonstrates that this was not a bipartisan bill and thus not the first step we should take to turn the economy around.

“Michigan’s families deserve a comprehensive measure that, once enacted, will help our small businesses, put folks back to work, and put more money in the pockets of those who need it most.”

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