Representative Sutton Speaks in Support of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

June 26, 2009

Floor Statement

Madame Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, and I want to thank the chairman for his leadership and for working with me and other Members of this House to address our concerns about manufacturing and jobs in this bill.

This bill isn't perfect. I have yet to see a bill that is. But the status quo is not the right choice. We must unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of this country and provide the economic opportunities that our constituents need. This bill is part of that mission. It's not the entire answer to all that ails us, but let there be no mistake, this is a jobs bill.

This bill has support from groups that represent workers. The United Steel Workers, the UAW, the CIW, and the AFL-CIO are all urging a yes vote on this legislation.

Madame Speaker, the people I represent are facing difficult times. They're looking for jobs and sometimes they can't find them the way they used to. The inaction of the past has cost them dearly.

There are those who complain that this bill is not perfect. They say it won't do this or it won't do that, but we have got to get started and keep acting until we get it right and provide them with the chance that they need for a change in direction. I yield back.