OFFICE OF THE MAJORITY LEADER

HOYER STATEMENT ON SECRETARY EVANS’ ECONOMIC SPEECH

“Like Holding Up an Umbrella in the Face of a Hurricane”

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement in response to remarks today by Secretary of Commerce Don Evans before the Detroit Economic Club:

“I think it’s increasingly clear to the American people that the Bush Administration does not have a good plan to fix our ailing economy, and the loss of 2.7 million manufacturing jobs in the United States since President Bush took office.  Secretary Evans’ speech in Detroit today demonstrates that.  Pointing the finger of blame at China is like holding up an umbrella in the face of a hurricane.  Suggesting that one assistant secretary of manufacturing can address this crisis is nothing less than an admission of failure by this Administration.

“When it comes to the economy, this Administration is flummoxed.  It seems unable to process the reality that enormous tax cuts do not constitute a comprehensive plan to rev up the economy and put Americans back to work.

“Certainly the value of the Yuan has played a role in the problems of manufacturing and the loss of jobs, especially in certain industries such as textiles and furniture.  But rather than doing something pro-active about the historic decline in manufacturing jobs on its watch, the Bush Administration is taking the easy route by blaming Chinese monetary policy.

“We also need China to open its market to American products.  Getting China to revalue its currency is not going to be easy, and is going to take the kind of deft touch and diplomacy that we have not seen from this Administration.  Furthermore, the Bush Administration has done nothing about the underlying structural issues that are at the core of the problem.  China is just the latest destination. The United States needs to use our strengths in technology and innovation, invest more in education and job training and get a sound fiscal policy to maintain a robust manufacturing sector.

“Democrats are ready to work with the president to craft a plan that will create jobs for out-of-work Americans.”

###

First Name:*
Last Name:*
Email*:
Comments*:
Please add me to the following Mailing Lists:
Leader's Report Our report from the Capitol to the American People. This e-newsletter, sent every week the House is in session, keeps you up to date on the new Democratic Majority in Congress with a personal message from the Leader, a review of the week’s events, and links to week's video, releases, and reports. See sample here. Press Documents All press releases, statements, and reports produced by the Majority Leader's Office. See sample here.
Please enter the following random security text exactly as it appears: