Unemployment and Tax Increases

Floor Speech

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(Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Madam Speaker, our Nation's unemployment continues to hover near 10 percent, and 15 million Americans are looking for jobs. That's 7 million more than when the current majority took over.

We've seen the results of these failed economic and fiscal policies--deficits, debt and an economy which continues to struggle. In fact, unemployment has been above 9 percent for 16 consecutive months. But instead of putting forth a bipartisan plan to spur job creation, Washington Democrats seem to be doing the exact opposite. In just a few months, they may allow the largest tax increase in history on American families and small businesses.

We won't solve our fiscal challenges until we cut spending, stop the growth of government and extend tax relief. It's simple: Businesses do not hire when their taxes go up. I urge my colleagues to join me against any tax increases on working families, small businesses, farmers, and ranchers.

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