Pelosi Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation to Deliver Funding to States and Create and Save American Jobs
Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on Senate passage of a bill to deliver critical funding to states and local communities, and create and save 290,000 American jobs – including 140,000 teacher positions and 150,000 police officers, firefighters, nurses and private sector jobs throughout our economy. The Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 61 to 39.
“Today’s Senate vote illustrates two vastly different approaches for getting America out of the economic ditch Republicans left us during the Bush Administration. Democrats support the urgent resources needed for the education of our children, the health of our families, and the safety of our neighborhoods. Congressional Republicans demean educators and first responders as ‘special interests’ and prefer to see teachers, nurses, and police officers on the unemployment line instead of in our classrooms, in emergency rooms, or on the beat.
“This legislation is about creating and saving American jobs, and preventing a double-dip recession – averting massive teacher layoffs and keeping law enforcement officers from losing their jobs. It’s about educating the students in our public schools; assisting vulnerable Americans who can’t afford medical care; and keeping families safe in their communities. It is fiscally responsible and fully paid for. By voting against this bill, Republicans chose to protect corporations that ship jobs overseas rather than strengthening our schools and securing our neighborhoods.
“With today’s action, Senate Republicans’ tactics of delay, obstruction, and political posturing will no longer deny states and communities the aid they need to create jobs and provide vital services to the American people. We will bring House Members back next week to pass this urgent legislation and send it to the President’s desk without delay.”