Erie, Pa. -  Today, U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.) met with members of the Erie Kiwanis and discussed the state of the American economy. 

“America’s economy is clearly on the edge of a major turning point,” said English, a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax issues. “People in northwestern Pennsylvania have been feeling a recession for months now and the whole country is beginning to recognize that tougher times are ahead.”

English noted that Congress’s long-term failure to craft an energy policy that successfully brings more energy to market has partially led to the economic struggles America is experiencing today.  English, a long time advocate in the development of a strong and effective energy policy, called on Congress to advance an energy plan to help lower prices at the pump and bring greater stability to energy markets through increased domestic production.

“America’s energy crisis is no longer an issue that can be turned into a political football that is simply punted to the next Congress,” English said.  “At a time when the American economy is reeling from unstable energy costs, Congress ought to be able to advance a bipartisan energy agenda that will encourage conservation, increase the use of renewable energy and further develop new technologies to create a more sustainable energy supply.”

As the lead Republican on the House Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, and a senior member on the Joint Economic Committee, English stressed the need for Washington to preserve the pro-growth policies previously enacted by Congress.

“The pro-growth policies enacted as part of the 2001 and 2003 tax relief have been the backbone of the American economy, producing solid economic growth and strong job markets,” English said.  “Continued fiscal discipline, coupled with tax relief for American families, will allow our country to move forward on the path of a strong economy, restrained spending and falling deficits.”
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A strong advocate of the bipartisan stimulus plan, English said that although the new law provides real relief for families and entrepreneurs, Washington must move forward
with real, fundamental tax reform, making note of his support for a pro-growth plan to serve as the groundwork for updating and simplifying the U.S. tax code.  English further commented on the need for Washington to advance a trade agenda that will effectively enforce U.S. trade laws and bring trading partners line with international trading rules.
“Congress needs to act now to strengthen U.S. trade remedy laws and challenge Chinese mercantilism to ensure American companies and workers have the necessary tools to compete on a level playing field in the global market,” English said.  “We must be prepared to be much more aggressive in enforcing America’s trade laws.”
In closing, English advised on the Congressional agenda for the remainder of the 110th Congress.

“Congress needs to move this year to deal fully and directly with the economic challenges that our country and our communities are facing,” English said. “Congress can best restore its reputation by enacting an energy plan that meets the needs of the 21st century, fulfilling its promises on strengthening U.S. trade laws and embrace strong pro-growth tax policies that will benefit everyone by reinvigorating the American economy.”

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