Washington , DC – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro ( Conn. -3) issued the following statement on the President Bush’s remarks at the White House this morning on the economy. Yesterday, DeLauro heard from Federal Chairman Ben S. Bernanke on the state of the near-term economy and what can be done at a hearing before the House Budget Committee.

“Our country is facing economic challenges right now – from negative economic data on wages and consumer prices to a falling stock market – and I am encouraged by President Bush’s willingness to work with Congress and across party lines on an economic stimulus package that will reverse the current economic slowdown.

“I hope that the president will come to the table and support not only tax relief through rebates and small business tax cuts, but also by expanding the child tax credit, as well as measures to alleviate the housing and credit crisis and spending in other programs that directs money towards middle class families – the people most likely to generate economic activity. I concur with the Federal Chairman in his testimony before the House Budget Committee that we need to focus on a short-term stimulus package and that making the tax cuts permanent should be left for a different discussion.

“I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to craft a package that is timely, targeted and temporary, that will bring relief to people in Connecticut and across the country who are facing economic hardships.”