Vol. 155 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2009 No. 28
pay for all this. Our constituents deserve much better. Taxpayers should not be exposed to even more risks.
Many have been hurting from the economic crunch; yet experts project most of this stimulus spending won't happen until after 2010, years into our recession. That will not help struggling America right now.
I think our country would benefit from a real stimulus package that boosts our lagging economy with job creation, tax relief, and smart, targeted spending. Let's work together to get this done right for America.
f SOLAR IN THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS (Ms. GIFFORDS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, a strong solar power industry creates good jobs and widespread economic growth. It increases our energy independence and reduces the threat of global warming. Unfortunately, the economic downturn has caused many energy investors to put their projects on hold. They are unable to take advantage of the investment tax credit that we fought so hard to pass and extend last year.
To get these projects moving again, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allows solar energy developers to take grants in lieu of tax credits. But for the grant program to be an incentive for the largest renewable energy programs, it has to be expanded.
Simply put, renewable projects will not get off the starting line until there is a usable incentive waiting for them at the finish line.
As the conferees work to finalize this bill, I urge them to expand these grants. This will safeguard the solar industry's ability to fully contribute to
111 th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION SAVING AMERICAN HOMES (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. KUCINICH. According to today's Wall Street Journal, moodyseconomy.com claims that nearly 5 million families could lose their homes to foreclosure between 2009 and 2011. Now is the time for our government to take a controlling interest in mortgagebacked securities, and then direct loan modification, lowering principal and interest rates, extending terms of payment, keeping people in their homes.
Banks are not lending money; they are hoarding money, because they fear their own balance sheets understate their losses. Instead of giving the banks more of taxpayers' money in the hopes that banks will loan the money to keep people in their homes, the government must take charge to save the homes of so many American families, again, take a controlling interest in mortgage-backed securities and direct loan modification. Keep people in their homes. The banks will get their money as well. It is time to stand up for the dream of American home ownership by saving the homes that are in jeopardy.
f A REAL STIMULUS PACKAGE (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. My constituents are outraged at Washington's reckless spending, and they insist this jumbo government giveaway won't stimulate the economy, won't help them find good jobs, won't keep a roof over their head, and won't help them pay the bills.
I am deeply concerned the government keeps writing checks that our children and grandchildren cannot cash. We must know who is going to H1161
IB U U NU M Congressional Record United States S The House met at 10 a.m.
The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P.
Coughlin, offered the following prayer: Divine source of life and love, to whom all nations are accountable and each person is uniquely worthy of attention and care, be with the Members of Congress today. Guide them in their negotiations and decisions. Make of them Your custodian of the Nation, leading to unity and stability.
Meanwhile, Lord, show Your mercy and grant Your healing power to all the sick and all those in recovery. In such human weakness, reveal Your strength of faith, both to sustain their own hope and for their families. In their darkest moments, manifest Your presence, surround them with love, and assist them with the best of medical care. Restore them to health that they may serve in the building of Your kingdom all the days of their lives. Amen.
f THE JOURNAL The SPEAKER. The Chair has examined the Journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the House her approval thereof.
Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
f PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. COURTNEY) come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. COURTNEY led the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
f ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER The SPEAKER. The Chair will entertain up to 15 requests for 1-minute speeches on each side of the aisle.
g the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m.
han spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.
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