Connecticut, Members of Congress Call for Bipartisanship
ADDRESS
Norwalk Hour
Tait Militana
Boston University Washington News Service
Feb. 25, 2009
WASHINGTON – Connecticut’s members of Congress called for bipartisanship following President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night, with Rep. Jim Himes D-4, saying the stimulus bill and the President’s speech marked the beginning of the country’s recovery.
Himes said there is still work to be done, but he was optimistic about the country’s recovery moving forward.
“I think he [Obama] recognizes this, and we all do, that one of the key underlying aspects of our economy is confidence,” he said in an interview at the Capitol after the speech. “His optimism and his confidence should set a good tone.”
Himes said he appreciates the concerns of Republicans who have said the stimulus bill threatens future generations that will have to pay for today’s spending. But, Himes said, at some point both parties need to put aside differences and return to building confidence in the markets.
“I’ve said all along I don’t mind an opposition,” he said. “When the debate is done we need to come together and say this is going to work. It may not be perfect, but it’s going to work and it’s going to help us turn the corner.”
Obama spent a large part of his speech defending his stimulus bill, which he signed into law last week. Seeking to reassure Americans that the country will recover, he encouraged Congress to take up health care, energy and education reform in the coming months. He also called on all Americans to commit to at least one year of higher education or career training, saying dropping out of high school is no longer an option.
“It’s not just quitting on yourself,” said Obama. “It’s quitting on your country.”
On several occasions throughout the night Obama was met with jeers from Republicans on issues dealing with the stimulus bill, which passed the Senate with just three Republican votes, and government spending in general. However, lawmakers said, it would be important to work together to pass the much needed reforms.
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., said in a statement that the stimulus alone will not save the economy but must be coupled with steps forward on the health care and energy bills.
“I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to build bipartisan coalitions to make progress in all of these areas,” he said.
Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., reiterated the importance of cooperation between the parties, saying he is already working with several Republicans to reform the health care system and make it affordable to more Americans.
“The challenges facing our nation are not Democratic or Republican,” Dodd said. “They are challenges to America. I am confident that we will be able to address many priorities in a bipartisan fashion.”
Himes said lawmakers in both parties will realize how important the next few months will be in turning the country around. He said that several tough issues are still ahead, but that Obama’s speech represented an understanding between opponents.
“It was really moving,” Himes said. “I was sitting with a couple of Republicans, and I’ve got to tell you they were moved too.”
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