McHugh, sounding apologetic, votes No on stimulus

North Country Congressman John McHugh joined New York state’s GOP congressional delegation in voting against President Barack Obama’s massive stimulus package.

Rep. McHugh followed the leadership of House minority leader John Boehner, from Ohio, a man McHugh has fiercely criticized in the past. (Not a single Republican nationwide voted for the Obama bill.)

Here’s Congressman McHugh’s full statement:

“Today’s vote was a difficult decision. There was much in the measure that I support – funding for education, rural broadband, and health care services being among them. However, I do not believe this bill – in its current form – is as good as we can do. When over one trillion dollars in American taxpayer money is involved, failing to improve this bill is simply unacceptable.

“Yesterday, President Obama met with House Republicans, and expressed a strong desire to work with us to craft the very best bill possible. Bipartisanship is a word thrown around in Washington, often without true meaning. I commend the President for keeping his commitment to genuinely solicit the input of those who might not agree with him. President Obama also made it clear that this bill is a starting point, and there is much more work to be done – including incorporating the input of the U.S. Senate and House Republicans. I wish House Democrats had shown the same commitment to open debate and real discussion. We may not always agree, but the final product, and the interests of all taxpayers, would be better served.

“One particular provision that I have championed to be included in any stimulus legislation is a suspension of the federal income tax on unemployment benefits. With job loss numbers climbing higher across the United States, including in the 23rd District, it is unacceptable that the federal government collects taxes on American workers who have lost their job in an economic recession. Americans struggling through a period of unemployment should be free from the additional burden of federal income taxes, and my proposed suspension would give families an extra boost as they struggle to make ends meet. I have introduced legislation both last fall and in this Congress that would achieve this goal and, along with many of my colleagues, urged this measure be included in the stimulus package. I am disappointed that the current House version failed to advance this much- needed relief. I will be continuing to fight for this provision to be included in the final legislation.

“After yesterday’s meeting with President Obama, I will keep my pledge of working together on a plan that creates more jobs, helps middle-class families, small businesses, and job-seekers keep more of what they earn and encourages renewed investment in our economy. It is clear that our economy is in turmoil, and this can be seen across Northern and Central New York where families and businesses are feeling the negative effects of an economic recession. Appropriately stimulating our economy to minimize this impact must be the top priority of Congress and the new Administration, and something to which I am completely committed.

“Today’s bill was a beginning, much in need of improvement. After continued discussion with President Obama and the U.S. Senate, I look forward to voting in the days ahead in favor of agreed upon, truly bipartisan legislation.”