Goodling Applauds Stimulus Package Passage

Treasury secretary says stimulus plan makes economic recovery 'more hopeful'

MAVOCKE, CEA--The $315 billion economic stimulus package passed by Congress this week will make economic recovery "more hopeful," Treasury Secretary Jay Goodling told reporters Friday.

Speaking to a group of business leaders in Mavocke, Mr. Goodling, who has lobbied for an economic stimulus package since June, applauded the senate and national assembly for passing the revised economic stimulus package, which is $335 billion less than the original $650 billion package proposed back in June. That proposed bill failed to pass either house.

"I'm extremely grateful to the members of the senate and the national assembly for passing this bill, because I know I've worked hard to get it passed, and the president has worked hard to get it passed and a whole host of other people have as well," Goodling told the media.

"But more importantly, I think this economic stimulus package is a step in the right direction. I think it makes economic recovery more hopeful of happening. I think it makes it more attainable, and it's a large piece that's part of a larger puzzle on how we can solve this economic downturn we are experiencing right now."

When asked to address critics of the stimulus package, who claim it is unnecessary now that the economy seems to be making a recovery, Mr. Goodling said he appreciated their concern but disagreed with their opinion.

"I understand the concern about wasteful spending and what's necessary and what's not necessary," he said. "But you can't just hold your breath and clinch your pocket book and hope that the economy recovers. You have to do something. And this was a good compromise because it scaled the stimulus back and reduced spending, while also providing money for crucial projects that will help stimulate our economy. This is really a win-win situation for everyone involved--the Congress, the states, the administration."

Goodling's office says the secretary will meet next week with congressional leaders and President Menuhaeo to discuss the bill's implications and the execution of the bill's mandates.