| JEC NEWS PAGE .....Archives: 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 |
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12/16/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The economy grew at a brisk pace in the third quarter of 2005. While employment growth did sag immediately following the hurricanes, employment growth rebounded in November. Concerns that there would be a significant drop in national employment and economic growth due to the hurricanes proved to be unfounded.
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
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12/12/05
PRESS RELEASE |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - It is understandable that OPEC is pleased about current oil prices but exploited oil consumers have no reason to agree, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. Saxton’s remarks were in reaction to a prominent OPEC oil minister’s description of the world oil market as “beautifully balanced,” and a statement by OPEC’s president that cutting oil output before March would be “a logical proposal” worth consideration. Saxton’s statement follows:
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
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12/09/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Corruption Remains Biggest Obstacle to Reducing Poverty
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new study released today finds that corruption is the largest single factor undermining the reduction of poverty in developing nations, Chairman Jim Saxton said. The new study demonstrates that corruption is still a serious problem and debunks recent research that attempts to downplay the extent and negative impact of corruption in many poor African countries. The new study, Aid to Africa at Risk: Covering Up Corruption, was authored by Adam Lerrick of the Gailliot Center for Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University and the American Enterprise Institute.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
12/07/05
PRESS RELEASE |
GREENSPAN'S ANSWERS TO SAXTON'S QUESTIONS RELEASED
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Chairman Jim Saxton released Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's answers to questions submitted in connection with a recent JEC hearing at which Chairman Greenspan testified. Saxton submitted additional written questions on the difficulties identifying the neutral interest rate for monetary policy; the low level of long-term interest rates; the usefulness and interpretation of the yield curve; and the value of transparency in Federal Reserve policy.
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
[Download Chairman Greenspan's letter to Chairman Saxton] |
12/06/05RESEARCH
REPORT |
U.S. ECONOMY OUTPERFORMED THE CANADIAN, EUROPEAN, AND JAPANESE ECONOMIES SINCE 2001
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Although some people have expressed dissatisfaction about the performance of the U.S. economy, the economic data show that since 2001 the United States has outperformed every other large developed economy. This report examines the performance of a peer group of large developed economies from 2001 to the present. The peer group includes Canada, Japan, the United States, and the twenty-five member-states of the European Union, but excludes the smaller developed economies of Australia, Iceland, South Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Together, the peer group produced 78 percent of the world’s GDP in 2003.
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
12/02/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Employment Jumps 215,000 in November
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The solid increase in November payroll employment is consistent with a host of recent figures depicting a healthy economy, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that nonfarm payroll employment increased by 215,000 in November, with gains occurring in many industries. The BLS diffusion index - an important measure of the breadth of employment gains - rose to 62.4 percent in November. The unemployment rate was 5.0 percent. Since May of 2003, payroll employment has increased by 4.5 million jobs.
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12/01/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Communications Convergence Brings Consumer Benefits
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Three waves of convergence in the communications sector offer the potential for great benefit for consumers, according to a new Joint Economic Committee study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton. The new study, Convergence in the Communications Industry: Three Fronts and What They Mean for Congress, examines how the convergence of new technologies and products is creating value for consumers and outpacing the existing regulatory structure.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
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11/30/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Economic Growth Robust in Third Quarter
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The healthy pace of economic growth during the last three years continues with very strong performance in the third quarter of 2005, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. According to new Commerce Department data, the U.S. economy surged at an annual rate of 4.3 percent last quarter. Meanwhile inflation, according to the Federal Reserve's preferred measure, dipped to 1.2 percent.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
11/17/05
PRESS RELEASE
#109-46 |
OPEC Conspires to Keep Oil Prices Too High
-- OPEC Costs Consumers More Than $1 Trillion --
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has unduly restricted its production of oil and is a major factor explaining high oil prices, according to a new study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton. The study, OPEC and the High Price of Oil, examines the cartel's oil reserves, production costs, collusive practices, and failure to adequately develop its vast oil fields.
[Download Press Release #109-46 in PDF format]
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11/09/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Economic Vital Signs: November 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The fear that hurricanes would significantly reduce economic output in the third quarter has proven to be unfounded. The economy grew at a healthy pace. Job growth was sufficiently strong in the country overall that the expected post-hurricane drop in national employment did not materialize.
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
11/07/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Tax Complexity Imposes High Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The compliance costs imposed by the U.S. individual income tax system are an excessive $83 billion per year, according to a new study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The JEC study, Individuals and the Compliance Costs of Taxation, examines the costs generated by the billions of hours taxpayers spend attempting to comply with an increasingly complex tax system.
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
11/03/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Statement of Chairman Jim Saxton
The Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, D.C. - I am pleased to welcome Chairman Greenspan before the Committee once again to testify on the economic outlook. We appreciate the many times you have testified before this Committee, and recognize your outstanding stewardship of monetary policy during your tenure as Fed chairman.
[Download Chairman Saxton’s Testimony in PDF format]
[Download Chairman Greenspan’s Testimony in PDF format] |
11/01/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Oil Prices and the Economy
- Before and After Katrina & Rita
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This brief addresses why the economy is more resilient to higher energy prices today than in the past and will survey the expected economic effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Download Research Report in PDF format
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10/28/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Tax Complexity Imposes High Costs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The compliance costs imposed by the U.S. individual income tax system are an excessive $83 billion per year, according to a new study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The JEC study, Individuals and the Compliance Costs of Taxation, examines the costs generated by the billions of hours taxpayers spend attempting to comply with an increasingly complex tax system.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/28/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Statement of Chairman Jim Saxton
The Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, D.C. - I am pleased to welcome Chairman Greenspan before the Committee once again to testify on the economic outlook. We appreciate the many times you have testified before this Committee, and recognize your outstanding stewardship of monetary policy during your tenure as Fed chairman.
[Download Chairman Saxton’s Testimony in PDF format]
[Download Chairman Greenspan’s Testimony in PDF format] |
10/28/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Oil Prices and the Economy
- Before and After Katrina & Rita
WASHINGTON, D.C. - This brief addresses why the economy is more resilient to higher energy prices today than in the past and will survey the expected economic effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
10/28/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Hearing Room Announcement
"The Economic Outlook"
| HEARING TOPIC: |
"The Economic Outlook" |
| TIME: |
9:30 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, November 3, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
2175 Rayburn House Office Building |
| WITNESSES: |
Alan Greenspan, Chairman
Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System |
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/28/05
PRESS RELEASE |
HEARING ADVISORY
"The Economic Outlook"
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) will hold a hearing examining the employment data to be released on Friday, November 4, 2005, Chairman Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) announced today. Dr. Kathleen P. Utgoff, Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), will testify.
| HEARING TOPIC: |
The Employment Situation: October 2005 |
| TIME: |
9:30 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, November 3, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
2226 Rayburn House Office Building |
| WITNESSES: |
Dr. Kathleen P. Utgoff, Commissioner,
Bureau of Labor Statistics |
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/28/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Economic Growth Accelerates in Third Quarter
-- Core Inflation Measure Declines --
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New figures show that the U.S. economy displayed robust growth in the third quarter, while core inflation remained tame, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. Today's Commerce Department release indicates that the U.S. economy grew at a 3.8 percent rate in the third quarter of 2005, while core inflation as measured by a key index actually fell to 1.3 percent (The index referred to here is the core personal consumption expenditure deflator, which excludes food and energy).
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/26/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Millions of Taxpayers Have Zero or Negative Federal Income Tax Liability
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Tax distribution tables purport to show who wins or loses from tax legislation. These tables are a typical source of controversy during tax reform debates. Such tables typically use averages to indicate the size and direction of the tax effect. However, the use of averages alone is inappropriate because averages cannot accurately show the impact on most taxpayers within the same income classification.
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
10/24/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Saxton Lauds Bernanke Nomination for Fed Chairman
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman Jim Saxton today hailed President Bush's nomination of Dr. Ben Bernanke as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. Bernanke, currently Chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisers, is a distinguished academic economist and monetary expert. Bernanke's research has identified the benefits of central bank inflation targets, which are ranges of permissible increases in inflation as measured by a core price index.
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
[Dr. Bernanke’s Prepared Statement] |
10/21/05
PRESS RELEASE |
HEARING ADVISORY
"The Economic Outlook"
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) will hold a hearing on the economic outlook on Thursday, November 3, Chairman Jim Saxton announced today.
| HEARING TOPIC: |
The Economic Outlook |
| TIME: |
10:00 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, November 3, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
TBA |
| Witness: |
Alan Greenspan, Chairman
Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System |
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
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10/20/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Statement of Chairman Jim Saxton
Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, D.C. - I am pleased to welcome Chairman Bernanke and the members of our second panel of witnesses before the Joint Economic Committee this morning. This Committee values its long history of cooperation with the Council of Economic Advisers. The testimony today will provide a solid foundation for understanding the forces that are shaping current economic conditions as well as the economic outlook.
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
[Dr. Bernanke’s Prepared Statement] |
10/18/05
PRESS RELEASE |
HEARING ADVISORY
"The Economic Outlook"
-- Hearing Room Announcement --
| HEARING TOPIC: |
The Economic Outlook |
| TIME: |
10:00 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, October 20, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
311 Cannon House Office Building |
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
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10/18/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Inflation Targets Work to Lower Long-Term Interest Rates
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The inflation targeting policy used by many central banks around the world maintains low inflation, increases financial market stability, and reduces risk, all factors that tend to lower interest rates, according to a new study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). The new JEC study, Economic Effects of Inflation Targeting, examines the empirical evidence on the impact of inflation targeting as it has been implemented in a number of countries. Inflation targets typically define a range of acceptable increases in a broad inflation measure such as a core price index.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/13/05
PRESS RELEASE |
New Study Examines Benefits of Digital Television Transition
-- Public Safety Would be Enhanced by Added Spectrum --
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Among the many benefits offered by completing the transition to digital television would be a significant improvement in first responders' ability to communicate and coordinate in emergencies, according to a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton. The new study, The Transition to Digital Television: Setting a Hard Date, also examines how the transition would improve television programming and expand wireless technologies for broadband access and mobile applications.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/12/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Hearing Announcement:
The Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) will hold a hearing on the economic outlook on Thursday, October 20, Chairman Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) announced today.
| HEARING TOPIC: |
The Economic Outlook |
| TIME: |
10:00 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, October 20, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
TBA |
| WITNESSES: |
Panel I
The Honorable Ben Bernanke, Chairman
Council of Economic Advisers
Washington, DC
Panel II
Dr. Mickey D. Levy
Chief Economist, Bank of America
New York, NY
Dr. David F. Seiders
Chief Economist, National Association of Home Builders
Washington, DC
Additional Witness to Be Announced |
[Download Hearing Notice in PDF format] |
10/11/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Economic Vital Signs: October 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The economic effects of the hurricanes will reduce the rate of economic growth in the third quarter by as much as 1.5 percentage points, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Once the initial negative economic effects of Katrina and Rita dissipate, economic activity associated with rebuilding will result in an up-tick in the rate of economic growth.
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
10/07/05
PRESS RELEASE |
Statement of Chairman Jim Saxton
September Employment Situation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - I would like to welcome Deputy Commissioner Rones of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and his colleagues before the Committee this morning to discuss the September employment data.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
10/04/05
PRESS RELEASE |
New IRS Data on Tax Shares Now Available
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New IRS data show that the top half of taxpayers ranked by income continue to pay over 96 percent of Federal individual income taxes while the bottom half accounts for less than 4 percent, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. The newly released data are for tax year 2003.
[Download Press Release in PDF format] |
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9/30/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Economic Consequences of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita -- An Update
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will temporary reduce economic and employment growth through the end of 2005, but economic and employment growth are likely to rebound in 2006. Oil and natural gas production and distribution are recovering from severe disruptions. The U.S. economy has displayed remarkable resilience in absorbing the effects of these two hurricanes.
[Download Research Report in PDF format] |
9/28/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
The Transition to Digital Television: A Hard Date Improves Public Safety
....WASHINGTON, D.C. - This fall Congress is likely to set a definite date for the transition from analog to digital television. One of the most important reasons for setting a firm date is the need to devote additional spectrum to public safety uses. More spectrum will allow enhanced communications, including greater interoperability, faster transmission of needed information, and greater coverage. Poor communications can increase the loss of life and property associated with a disaster and delay recovery. MORE>>> |
9/21/05
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...WASHINGTON, D.C. - In the near future Congress will consider legislation that sets a definite date for the transition from analog to digital television. This paper examines: 1) the benefits of making the transition, 2) the issue of providing subsidies to viewers impacted by the transition, and 3) whether legislation should also adjust the transmission requirements imposed on cable and satellite broadcasters. MORE>>> |
9/19/05
PRESS RELEASE
#109-36 |
OPEC Should Increase Oil Production
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) should end its restrictive policies and significantly expand its production of oil, Chairman Jim Saxton of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) said today. Last June, Saxton released a JEC report pointing out that the OPEC cartel was a major factor explaining high oil prices, partly because its members had failed to adequately develop their vast oil fields enough to meet world demand. Although OPEC investment and output have increased somewhat recently, world oil demand has increased rapidly.
Download Press Release #109-36 in PDF format
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9/09/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
Economic Consequences of Hurricane Katrina
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Katrina will temporarily reduce economic and employment growth through the end of 2005, but economic and employment growth is likely to rebound in 2006. Despite significant infrastructure damage, maritime commerce is being restored. Oil and natural gas production are continuing to recover from severe disruptions. The U.S. economy has displayed remarkable resilience in absorbing the effects of this catastrophe. MORE>>> |
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7/29/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Economic Growth Continues at a Healthy Pace
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The latest economic growth figures show that the expansion is strong and well-balanced, Joint Economic Committee Chairman Jim Saxton said today upon their release. GDP growth in the second quarter of 2005 increased at a rate of 3.4 percent, according to the new data released by the Commerce Department. The pace of economic expansion has picked up in recent years relative to its pace earlier in the recovery period. MORE>>> |
7/28/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Statement of Chairman Jim Saxton
Alternative Automotive Technology and Energy Efficiency
WASHINGTON, D.C. - I am pleased to welcome Under Secretary Garman and the other expert witnesses before the Committee this morning.
With oil prices in the neighborhood of $60 per barrel, it is not surprising that there is increased interest in fuel efficiency and alternative ways of powering cars and trucks. Increased demand for oil, especially from Asia, combined with the restrictive practices of the OPEC cartel, have together created a situation where oil prices have spiked in recent months. With OPEC members only last December complaining about an "over-production" of oil, it is abundantly clear that we cannot depend on them to be reliable suppliers of petroleum. Unfortunately, according to many experts, OPEC and elevated oil prices may be with us for an extended period of time. MORE>>> |
7/26/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Chinese Economy is Examined in New JEC Study
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The economy of the People’s Republic of China is strongly influenced by the Chinese government through its extensive ownership, control, and financing of major businesses, according to a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton. The new study, Overview of the Chinese Economy, examines the evolution of Chinese economic policy in recent decades and its impact on the structure of the Chinese economy. MORE>>> |
7/22/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Hearing Announcement
| HEARING TOPIC: |
Alternative Automotive Technologies and Energy Efficiency |
| TIME: |
10:00 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, July 28, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
2226 Rayburn House Office Building |
| WITNESSES: |
The Honorable David K. Garman
Under Secretary of Energy
U.S. Department of Energy
Mark Chernoby
Vice President, Advanced Vehicle Engineering
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Mary Ann Wright
Director, Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs
Ford Motor Company
Tom Stricker
National Manager, Technical and Regulatory Affairs
Toyota Motor North America, Inc. |
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7/21/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Saxton Comments on Yuan Revaluation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the People’s Bank of China announced several reforms to its exchange rate regime. In response, Chairman Jim Saxton of the Joint Economic Committee issued the following statement:
“The Chinese announcement today on revaluing the yuan relative to the dollar is a welcome step in the right direction. It appears that this announcement may signal the first of a series of moves that could lead to a more flexible dollar-yuan exchange rate. As a study I released a few weeks ago noted, a change in Chinese exchange rate policy is necessary to address the global imbalances this policy has caused. MORE>>> |
7/18/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Greenspan's Response to Saxton's Questions Released
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Chairman Jim Saxton released Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s response to questions submitted in connection with a recent Joint Economic Committee hearing on the economic outlook. Saxton asked additional written questions related to the current yield curve and long-term interest rates, Federal Reserve policy after the bursting of the stock market and technology bubbles in 2000, macroeconomic effects of high oil prices, and froth in the housing market. MORE>>> |
7/13/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Economic Expansion Boosts Revenues and Reduces Budget Deficit
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Strong economic growth in recent quarters is a key reason for the surge in federal revenues and the decline in the projected 2005 budget deficit, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. Today the Office of Management and Budget released its budget projections that included an upward revision of $87 billion in federal revenues for fiscal 2005, contributing to a 14 percent increase in revenues over fiscal 2004. The projected 2005 deficit was reduced to $333 billion, or about 2.7 percent of GDP. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) also is expected to significantly reduce its 2005 budget deficit projection later this year. MORE>>> |
7/08/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
Emloyment Growth Continues for 25th Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. - New data for June show that the U.S. economic expansion continues to generate jobs and reduce unemployment, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. Saxton’s remarks followed a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announcement that payroll employment climbed 146,000 in June, as the unemployment rate trended down to 5.0 percent. MORE>>> |
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6/30/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
...WASHINGTON, D.C. - It appears likely that the Federal Reserve's increases in short-term interest rates will move these rates into a range where a reappraisal of the stance of monetary policy will soon be appropriate, Chairman Saxton said today. The Fed’s action today raising the federal funds rate 25 basis points to 3.25 percent is expected to be followed by a similar increase in August. MORE>>> |
6/29/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
...WASHINGTON, D.C. - The latest figures on economic growth released today show a strong rate of expansion in the first quarter of 2005, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. The final figure for GDP growth in the first quarter was 3.8 percent, significantly higher than earlier estimates. The most recent revision was mostly due to upward adjustments to exports and residential construction. MORE>>> |
6/29/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
...WASHINGTON, D.C. - For three decades, OPEC has manipulated the oil market. The Persian Gulf countries sit on huge reserves of oil and are able to produce oil cheaply. The major ones, together with several non-Persian Gulf countries included in the cartel (Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Indonesia, Venezuela), openly collude to restrict the output of oil and raise the price far above their cost. From the end of World War II until the oil embargo of 1973, Arabian Light crude oil sold for less than $2.50 per barrel; then the price shot up. MORE>>> |
6/24/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
...WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bill to require that hidden subsidies provided by U.S. taxpayers to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) be included in the budget process has been introduced, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. The legislation requires that the cost of these IMF subsidies be disclosed, included in the federal budget, and subject to the appropriations process. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has documented massive subsidies in IMF lending activities. MORE>>> |
6/22/05
RESEARCH
REPORT
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - As President Bush and many in the Congress and across the country have recognized, our current malpractice liability system does not serve the needs of patients and is in need of reform. It is not simply an issue of lowering insurance premiums for physicians. It is particularly about patient safety and quality of care, as well as reducing unnecessary health care spending. MORE>>> |
6/21/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The economy continued to expand and add jobs at a healthy rate in the first quarter of 2005. The indicators of economic activity for the months of April and May are, generally speaking, also positive. Over the last two months, government statistical agencies, the Federal Reserve Bank and research institutions released key indicators showing that the health of the economy is robust. MORE>>> |
6/15/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Recent data on producer and consumer prices, and leading indicators of inflation, suggest that inflation pressures are in check, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. Saxton’s remarks were largely based on the performance of leading indicators of inflation used by the Joint Economic Committee - commodity prices, foreign exchange value of the dollar, and long-term interest rates. MORE>>> |
6/09/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman Saxton, Vice Chairman Bennett, and members of the Committee, I am pleased to appear once again before the Joint Economic Committee. Over the past year, the pace of economic activity in the United States has alternately paused and quickened. The most recent data support the view that the soft readings on the economy observed in the early spring were not presaging a more-serious slowdown in the pace of activity. Consumer spending firmed again, and indicators of business investment became somewhat more upbeat. Nonetheless, policymakers confront many of the same imbalances and uncertainties that were apparent a year ago. MORE>>> |
6/09/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - I am pleased to welcome Chairman Greenspan before the Joint Economic Committee today. Chairman Greenspan's testimony will provide useful insights on the current economic expansion and the potential for further economic progress. MORE>>> |
6/07/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new study released today shows that the debt owed by poor nations to the international financial institutions (IFIs) can and should be written off immediately, Chairman Jim Saxton said. The study demonstrates that existing financial reserves of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the other major IFIs are already more than sufficient to write off in full the multilateral debt owed by poor countries. The study, The Debt of the Poorest Nations: A Gold Mine for Development Aid, was written by Adam Lerrick of the Gailliot Center for Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University and the American Enterprise Institute. MORE>>> |
6/06/05
PRESS
RELEASE |
HEARING ADVISORY
"THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK"
-- HEARING ROOM ANNOUNCEMENT --
HEARING TOPIC: The Economic Outlook
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
DATE: Thursday, June 9, 2005
LOCATION: 2118 Rayburn House Office Building
WITNESS: Alan Greenspan, Chairman
Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System
[Download Press Release in PDF format]
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6/03/05
Press
Release |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Payroll employment growth continued in May, with its increase of 78,000 jobs best viewed in the context of the much larger increases in previous months, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today also reported an increase of 376,000 in the household survey measure of employment, and slippage in the unemployment rate to a level of 5.1 percent. MORE>>> |
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5/25/05
Press
Release |
....WASHINGTON, D.C. - China should take steps to revalue its currency, according to a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton, and fellow JEC members Congressman Phil English and Congressman Thaddeus McCotter. The new JEC study, PRC's Pegged Exchange Rate Contributes to Global Imbalances, examines the operation of the Chinese currency peg, its economic effects, and its relationship to economic distortions in China as well as other countries. MORE>>> |
5/24/05
Press
Release |
HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Economic Outlook
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) will hold a hearing on the economic outlook on Thursday, June 9, Chairman Jim Saxton announced today.
| HEARING TOPIC: |
The Economic Outlook |
| TIME: |
10:00 A.M. |
| DATE: |
Thursday, June 9, 2005 |
| LOCATION: |
TBA |
| WITNESS: |
Alan Greenspan, Chairman
Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System |
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5/19/05
Press
Release |
NEW STUDY HIGHLIGHTS OPTIONS FOR CORPORATE TAX REFORM
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. corporate income tax is overly complex and counterproductive, according to a new Joint Economic Committee (JEC) study released today by Chairman Jim Saxton. The new study, Reforming the U.S. Corporate Tax System to Increase Tax Competitiveness, identifies several different ways the tax could be improved. These options include territorial taxation, individual and corporate income tax integration, movement toward consumption taxation, and elimination of the corporate alternative minimum tax or the corporate income tax altogether. MORE>>> |
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4/28/05
Press
Release |
Statement Of Chairman Jim Saxton
Medical Liability Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. - It is a pleasure to welcome Dr. Mark McClellan before the Committee this morning to address medical liability reform.
Dr. McClellan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to bear on this subject. Currently, Dr. McClellan serves as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, overseeing approximately one-third of health care spending in the U.S. In addition to being a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Dr. McClellan is also a Ph.D. economist. He has previously served as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and as a member of President Bush's Council of Economic Advisers. MORE>>> |
4/27/05
RESEARCH
REPORT |
A Brief Explanation of the Economic Burden Imposed by Federal Taxes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Economic theory gives policymakers solid support for resisting tax increases and preferring spending reductions as a method of reducing the federal deficit. MORE>>> |
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3/23/05
Press
Release |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Joint Economic Committee (JEC) has obtained evidence documenting allegations of accounting irregularities at the World Bank in the 1990s, Chairman Jim Saxton said today. The new information corroborates allegations of accounting errors amounting to tens of millions of dollars made by former World Bank employees in interviews with committee staff. Some errors also caused increased interest charges on some World Bank loans. The Committee has been unable to determine whether affected borrowers were individually compensated for the full cost of these errors. MORE>>> |
3/21/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - It is commonly assumed that the medical liability system works as advertised: injured patients sue negligent doctors for compensation for their injuries. This assumption is the basis for arguments defending the current system. However, medical liability in practice differs greatly from theory because the system is ineffective at deterring negligent injuries and fails to justly compensate those truly harmed by negligent injuries, thereby providing compelling grounds for serious medical liability reform. MORE>>> |
3/14/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Allegations of accounting problems at the World Bank will be reviewed by the Joint Economic Committee, Chairman Jim Saxton announced today. According to former World Bank employees interviewed by committee staff, there have been a number of problems with World Bank financial accounting practices, some of which go back many years. Several of these allegations have been reported by the Dow Jones news service. MORE>>> |
3/08/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jim Saxton was elected today as Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) by its members. Senator Robert Bennett was elected as Vice Chairman. MORE>>> |
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2/25/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The upward revision in fourth quarter 2004 economic growth to 3.8 percent shows the continuing strength of the U.S. economy, incoming Chairman Jim Saxton of the Joint Economic Committee said today. An earlier advance estimate of growth in gross domestic product (GDP) seemed to show the economy decelerating. MORE>>> |
2/17/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Reserve's first presentation of its inflation projections over a .
two year time horizon suggests progress in the direction of inflation targeting that is encouraging, incoming Joint Economic Committee Chairman (JEC) Jim Saxton said today. MORE>>> |
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j a n u a r y.....2 0 0 5 |
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1/31/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Recent data on economic growth show that the expansion has been boosted by strong increases in business investment, Congressman Jim Saxton said today. The U.S. economy grew at a 4.4 percent rate in 2004, boosted by a 13.4 percent jump in business software and equipment investment. Separately, new Commerce Department data released today show strong personal income growth continued in December of 2004. MORE>>> |
1/24/05
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Speaker Dennis Hastert named Congressman Jim Saxton the senior House member on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC), a selection that under JEC rules and procedures leads to a designation as Chairman of the Committee. Saxton has served as Chairman on two previous occasions. MORE>>> |
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