U.S. CONGRESSMAN PHIL ROE, M.D. 1st. District of Tennessee

Washington, Feb 13, 2009 - WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the conference agreement on HR 1, a $787 billion stimulus/spending package by a vote of 246 – 183 with one Member voting present.

U.S. Congressman Phil Roe, M.D. (TN-1) cast a NO vote against HR 1, noting there was too much wasteful spending in the bill, and not enough direct help to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

“This bill is the single largest infusion of spending in American history, yet the Speaker is pushing this 1,071 page bill through as fast as possible,” said Roe. “Some people claim she is rushing to catch a flight to Italy, and some people claim they want to pass this before everyone can get a good look at the fine print. I don’t know what the rush is, but I hope those aren’t the reasons.

“I strongly support a stimulus initiative for our nation, but it must be a stimulus bill that grows our economy, creates jobs and doesn’t saddle our grandchildren with unnecessary debt.

“Additionally, this bill did not include enough funding for true infrastructure projects – which are proven to create jobs through economic development. Out of $787 billion, only three percent is dedicated to our roads and highways. True infrastructure investment would strengthen the economy for our future generations who will essentially be paying for this bill. I am fully supportive of an economic stimulus bill that reduces taxes for working families and small businesses while improving our roads and sewer infrastructure. All this lays the groundwork for future growth and is a much wiser use of precious taxpayer dollars.”

Congressman Roe conducted an unofficial survey last night during his tele-town hall which found that 85% of the listeners in Eastern Tennessee are opposed to the stimulus/spending package in its current form.

The legislation is still filled with what Congressman Roe believes is wasteful spending that does not stimulate the economy, including:

• $2 billion for neighborhood stabilization program, money for groups like ACORN
• $1 billion added back for Prevention & Wellness Programs, including STD education
• $198 million to authorize payments to certain Filipino veterans from WWII
• Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research was added back in, leading Americans down the path towards healthcare rationing (63 patient advocacy groups signed a letter voicing their concerns with this provision)
• $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts
• $300 million for golf carts
• $100 million for "small shipyards”
• $20 million “for the removal of small-to-medium-sized fish passage barriers”
• $25 million “for recreation maintenance, especially for rehabilitation of off-road vehicle routes”
• $43 million for other park and fish and wildlife trails
• $150 million for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), some which now presumably can go to the “mob” museum