Rep. Gregg Harper (R) votes “NO” on Stimulus Plan

HARPER SAYS “NO” TO DEMOCRAT’S WASTEFUL STIMULUS PLAN

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) voted
against an economic stimulus bill today that would ultimately cost
taxpayer’s nearly $1.2 trillion in new government debt.

“I wish Congress would open their eyes to the wasteful government
spending that is contained in this bill and that will drive the country
further into debt,” said Congressman Gregg Harper. “The American people
know we cannot borrow and spend our way back to prosperity.”

According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, of the $604
billion in new spending, only 15% would be spent in 2009. The spending
along with $212 billion in tax provisions brings the total cost of the
stimulus to $816 billion. Additionally, the CBO reports this new debt
will cost $347 billion in interest payments bringing the total to an
unbearable $1.16 trillion.

This partisan bill, led to the House floor by the Democratic leadership,
is supposed to stimulate the economy with spending such as $600 million
to purchase new cars for federal government workers when there is
already a fleet of 642,000 vehicles. Other non-simulative spending
includes $50 million for the National Endowment of Arts, $650 million
for the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Program, $400 million for
localities to buy energy efficient buses and $1.1 billion for Amtrak.

Under this legislation, $137 billion is included to create 32 new
government programs. This slow and inefficient attempt to stimulate the
economy is misleading the residents of Mississippi and the Third
Congressional District. “The price tag is equivalent to borrowing
$10,500 from every family in America,” added Harper. “People deserve a
fast acting tax break to feel relief, not more careless government
spending.”

Congressman Harper joined House Republicans in supporting an alternative
plan constructed for economic growth through targeted tax relief, such
as income tax reductions. However, that amendment was defeated by a vote
of 170 – 266.

Rep. Gregg Harper Press Release
1/28/9