The St. Joseph News Press

Congressman Sam Graves began his fifth U.S. House term Tuesday in the position of having to judge an unknown possible solution to an economically dire problem.

Lawmakers took their oaths in the 111th Congress amid talk of an economic stimulus package, one with fuzzy details and a suggested cost approaching $1 trillion.

Mr. Graves, a Republican representing Northwest Missouri, finds little meat in the discussions so far.

“They know that there is a lot of trouble getting votes to come up with a package that nobody’s even seen yet,” he said.

The lawmaker from Tarkio said he believed action on a stimulus bill stood at least a month away, with proposals still in flux and congressional committees still organizing.

He hopes the eventual package contains tax incentives that nudge businesses toward expansion.

“That does a lot to stimulate the economy because those small businesses will invest in themselves ... and that will mean more jobs,” Mr. Graves said. “The flip side of that is if you tax job creation, you’re not going to have it.”

Mr. Graves takes a more senior role this session with his elevation as ranking member (the top Republican) of the House Small Business Committee. Having served on the committee his previous four terms, the lawmaker said he would continue working to limit the burdens federal authorities impose on small businesses.

Full story at: http://www.sjnp.net/news/2009/jan/07/economy-stares-down-congress