| Addressing our deficit is one of the most serious challenges facing our nation, which is why Democrats are taking action to set a path toward long-term fiscal balance. This week, the House passed the IMPROVES Acquisition Act, legislation that reforms the way we buy equipment for our troops and military and saves taxpayers billions of dollars, all while ensuring that our troops have the equipment they need to accomplish their mission. The House also passed legislation to crack down on wasteful government spending by identifying, reducing, and eliminating improper payments by federal agencies. Together with the first meeting of the President’s bipartisan fiscal commission, Democrats took serious steps this week to increase fiscal responsibility, cut wasteful spending, and develop long-term solutions to the deficit.
Today’s news that the economy grew in the first quarter of this year – building on growth of the previous two quarters - is an encouraging sign that Democratic policies are creating jobs and moving our economy in the right direction. However, we know that too many Americans remain out of work, so we will continue working to create jobs, boost small businesses, and ensure that the signs of recovery we see today are sustainable.
Democrats are also continuing our efforts to protect middle class Americans and hold Wall Street accountable. After Republicans delayed consideration of Wall Street reform for several days this week, next week, the Senate will continue to work on legislation that will protect consumers and ensure that we don’t have another financial meltdown like the one in 2008. I look forward to working with the Senate to get a bill to the President’s desk quickly.
Next week, Democrats continue to focus on creating jobs as the House considers the Homestar Energy Retrofit Act, a bill that will help create construction jobs by offering incentives to families to make their homes more energy efficient.
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