Pelosi Letter to Boehner: We Must Work Together to Pass Economic Recovery Legislation

"Congress must address these challenges in a bipartisan manner and without delay," Pelosi wrote.  "That is why I hope you will encourage Republican Members to actively participate in the series of hearings relevant committees are holding in the coming weeks as we craft initiatives to make our economy stronger and more competitive in a global marketplace.'

Speaker Pelosi has called on all relevant committees to schedule hearings on the key provisions of a fiscally responsible recovery package.  The House Budget Committee will hold a hearing on Monday, when Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is scheduled to testify.

Below is a text of the letter:

October 17, 2008

The Honorable John A. Boehner

House Republican Leader

H-204, The Capitol

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Leader Boehner:

Thank you for your recent letter.  I welcome your thoughts on the need to get our economy back on track and create jobs for the American people.

We are in agreement that our economic problems, while serious, also present opportunities to rebuild our economy on a stronger foundation for years to come.  Congress must address these challenges in a bipartisan manner and without delay.  That is why I hope you will encourage Republican Members to actively participate in the series of hearings relevant committees are holding in the coming weeks as we craft initiatives to make our economy stronger and more competitive in a global marketplace.

These hearings will offer all Members the opportunity to hear expert testimony and to offer policy recommendations.  An effective program will not only address the need to stabilize our financial markets and restore the flow of credit throughout our economy, but also promote American innovation, energy independence, green jobs, 21st century infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology throughout all sectors of the economy.

As part of our effort to provide a New Direction for America's economy, House Democratic leaders met earlier this week to hear the views of prominent economists on the state of our economy and their recommendations for legislative action.  These economists endorsed the economic recovery package that passed the House on September 26, but they advised that the economic rescue legislation already enacted does not go far enough in promoting job growth or in restoring investor and consumer confidence.

At a time when millions of Americans are deeply worried about losing their jobs, their savings, their homes and their chance at the American Dream, Republicans and Democrats must work together to pass economic recovery legislation.  I welcome your efforts, and those of the Republican Members of the House, in fully participating in the development of an initiative that offers hope to the American people by promoting the creation of good jobs, and restoring the investor and consumer confidence necessary for the health of our economy.

Thank you for your attention to the upcoming hearings. I look forward to working with you to make our country stronger.

best regards,

NANCY PELOSI

Speaker of the House