Congressional Briefs: Fudge, Lee and Lewis 

Rep. John Lewis Commemorates Link Between India and Non-Violent Revolution in America

By Staff

Feb. 23, 2009, 1:00 a.m. - Georgia Rep. John Lewis led a congressional delegation to India to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Martin Luther King's historic journey to India to retrace the steps of Mahatma Gandhi.  

"It is has been a great honor to be able to walk in the footsteps of  Mahatma Gandhi," he said. "Visiting his tomb, the site of his assassination, his ashram and his homes is like walking on sacred ground.  The Indian people also recognize the revolutionary work of Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment to non-violent resistance.  Through this journey we have discovered a powerful link between the United States and India that may be a meaningful source of future work."   

 Rep. John Lewis Comments on Obama's Housing Program

While Lewis was traveling in India, he made these comments on the announcement of the presidents new housing plan:

"President Obama's housing program represents a significant commitment on the part of his Administration to help stave off further foreclosure and keep people in their homes.  It is another step in a long-standing pledge made by the federal government decades ago to support homeownership among American citizens. 

"A home is often the most important financial purchase a person makes in his or her lifetime.  The federal government has determined through former policy to secure this major investment on behalf of the American people, to do what it can to ensure fairness and honest-dealing throughout the process.  It is clear that President Obama recognizes this legacy, and these efforts made today to staunch the foreclosure crisis may plant the seeds that will help to turn around our entire economy."

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Rep. Fudge Votes for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) voted to create and save over 133,000 jobs in Ohio. Along with members of the House of Representatives, Fudge passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Fudge vowed to bring jobs to the 11th District and she views the recovery package as a solid start in that effort:.       

"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a bill that truly addresses the needs of the middle class and the chronically unemployed. President Obama’s plan will provide relief to the jobless, to workers without access for proper job training, to schools that are in desperate need of repair and resources, and our cities with infrastructures that are crumbling due to lack of resources and old age. This plan recognizes that investing in our citizens is not a luxury – it is a responsibility." said. Fudge. "The people of Ohio are crying for relief and this package begins to address our areas of need."

This legislation comes at a time of staggering job losses. America is experiencing an economic crisis deeper than any in recent history.  More than 2.5 million jobs were lost in 2008 alone, with 598,000 more in January 2009. Ohio’s unemployment rate has climbed to 7.8 percent. Unemployment has reached levels unseen for 23 years and the state continues to rank near the top in foreclosures.

"House leadership saved as much funding as possible for direct allocation to our local municipalities. Ohio has a good first step towards economic stability and job creation," said Rep. Fudge. "This is not a perfect plan, but a reassuringly solid beginning. The 111th Congress will monitor the package's real world effect and if it needs modification, I will be the first member at the table."

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Passage of Economic Recovery Package

Rep. Barbara Lee voted in favor of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Conference Report. She released this statement:

“The disastrous economic policies of the previous administration -including irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthy and the war in Iraq and deregulation of the financial industry have left our nation in shambles. Millions of people are living in poverty, without health insurance, and unemployment is through the roof. In my state of California the unemployment rate is 9.3 percent. Our communities of color have been especially hard hit - and it’s only getting worse.

“It’s time we get this country back on the right track. This package will help businesses create jobs and families afford their bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education and a 21^st century infrastructure.

“Californians will benefit greatly from this legislation. Over the next two years 396,000 jobs will be created– 7,300 of those jobs in my district alone. Nearly 2.4 million California workers will receive an additional $100 per month in unemployment insurance benefits during this recession and 506,000 laid-off workers will receive extended unemployment benefits. Additionally, the bill will provide funding to modernize at least 1, 208 California schools and provide a new $2,500 partially refundable tax credit to 522,000 families in California for four years of college.

“Given the magnitude of the economic crisis, this bill could and should be much bigger – at least $1 trillion.  Additionally, it should have been enacted a year ago when my colleagues in the Progressive Caucus and I first called for a new stimulus package to jumpstart our economy. But the previous Administration refused to take action, letting our economy collapse before choosing to bailout their friends in the banking industry.

“Although the American dream has turned into a nightmare for many during this economic crisis—many people have been living the nightmare for years.  So we must continue to fight on their behalf, and we will.

“I applaud President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, Majority Whip James Clyburn and the entire leadership for crafting this recovery package. It is a positive step in the right direction for our country.”

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