Today, President Obama discussed the economy at a press conference at the White House.  Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement:

“I am pleased that President Obama remains focused on economic recovery.  Congress has a responsibility to work with the President to create job growth, avoid a default on our debt obligations and enact a deficit-reduction program that fulfills our moral commitments.  I remain committed, to protecting Medicare and Medicaid, increasing support for college scholarships and medical research, and maintaining the federal agencies that certify the safety of our food and provide relief from natural disasters.”

“It is clear that we must avoid a default on the federal debt and reduce the budget deficit,  but many difficult choices remain.  I agree with President Obama that we must reform the tax code, to eliminate preferential tax rates for oil companies, hedge-fund managers, and corporate airplanes.  Instead, we must invest in the American people by reducing taxes for middle-class families, providing financing for small businesses, and developing partnerships between businesses and community colleges that prepare our workers for the twenty-first century economy.  I am confident that Americans will support an agreement that reduces the budget deficit and invests in our people.”

  
 
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