Liberals Likely to Call for Another Stimulus
Roll Call Staff
A leading House liberal says he is likely to call for another stimulus package after today’s dismal unemployment news.
“The Congressman will most likely call for a bigger stimulus package,” said Natalie Luna, spokeswoman for Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. “He has no doubt that with the new numbers coming out that a stimulus package and other things that Congress can do to alleviate the high unemployment numbers would be a good thing,” she said.
Unemployment hit 9.5 percent in June, the highest in a quarter century.
Luna noted that Progressive Caucus members had sought a much larger package to begin with.
The Progressive Caucus initially wanted a $1 trillion package focused mostly on spending, but in a deal to get the support of three Senate Republicans, the package came in at $787 billion with tax cuts making up a large piece.
So far, the Obama administration and Democratic leaders have resisted talk of another stimulus, arguing that the initial plan is still rolling out and needs time to work.
Energy and Commerce Committee: Barton Holds the Line for the GOP
March 15, 12 a.m.
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) knows he’s outnumbered. He knows the Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he serves as ranking member, have the ability to “slam things through” when they want to. Read Full Article
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