Thursday, September 8, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement tonight following President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress on his plan to create jobs.

“I am encouraged that President Obama has made it clear to the American people that creating jobs is his top priority.  During my travels across New Mexico during the recent district work period, I met with many constituents who want nothing more than the opportunity to get back to work.  That is why I wrote to New Mexico’s national labs and military bases earlier today urging them to contract more with New Mexico-headquartered businesses in order to encourage more business opportunities in our state. 

“After nearly 250 days, we have yet to see any jobs agenda from House Republicans.  The majority has not brought one bill to the House floor that addresses job creation.  With so many New Mexicans looking for work, this failure to act is simply unacceptable.

“This evening, President Obama offered a number of proposals that I hope Congress will move quickly to enact.  This plan is a good start with many ideas that have received bipartisan support in the past and are deserving of that support again.  But I hope that we can build on this plan to do more to bring back our manufacturing sector so we can once again make it in America and invest in the innovation that will unleash the next generation of technological advancements.

“Putting money back in the pockets of middle-class Americans will provide a much-needed boost to the economy and help those hit hardest by the economic recession.  With our nation’s infrastructure in need of significant repairs and modernization, building new roads and bridges will not only put people back to work, but will also invest in our nation’s ability to compete in the global economy.

“While it is clear that we must focus on reducing our deficit, it is critical that we do not sacrifice job creation and economic growth in that process.  The President’s plan, which is fully paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes and asking the wealthiest Americans to pay their fair share, will not add to the deficit while laying the foundation for much-needed job creation.”

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