Berman, Sherman Respond to Obama's Jobs Speech

Congressmen Brad Sherman and Howard Berman are heading for a here in the San Fernando Valley, as each has indicated his intention to run in 2012 for the new west San Fernando Valley congressional seat created as a result of state redistricting that puts both of them in the same district.

Following President Obama’s speech outlining his $447 billion jobs plan, both have weighed in with their feelings on the speech. Sherman was critical of Obama, calling for further action, while Berman aimed the bulk of his blame at Republicans.

“The President’s economic plan is good but insufficient," said Sherman in a statement. "We need a bolder spending program over the next 2 years to get us out of this recession, but if and only if it is paired with an even bolder program to reduce the deficit over the next 10 years. I am pleased that the President supports tax breaks for the middle class, including the payroll tax holiday which provides immediate additional stimulus and is self-reversing.

"I’m disappointed that among the measures that congress should enact the president mentioned free trade agreements; this will have the exact opposite effect and ensure the loss of thousands of American jobs. I would also like to see the administration take a more active role in keeping housing prices from declining any further. Along with any jobs recovery act, we should have a housing act.”

Congressman Berman released the following statement, which announces his intention to submit his own jobs bills:

“No issue facing our nation right now is more urgent than job creation.  Californians are rightly asking ‘where are the jobs’ and due to the partisan bickering that has sadly become synonymous with Washington, efforts to answer these calls have stalled," said Berman. "I was pleased to see President Obama take a definitive step tonight towards bringing this gridlock to an end and finally jump starting efforts to get the economy moving again. In this same vein, I will be introducing two separate jobs bills in the coming weeks that are designed to increase the export of American made goods and in turn create new jobs here at home at no additional cost to taxpayers. 

“In our democracy however, it takes more than delivering speeches and introducing bills to get our economy back on track. The Republican Majority here in the House must finally allow jobs proposals to move forward in Congress. It has been nearly 250 days since Republicans took control, and since then they have been unable to pass even one single piece of jobs legislation.

 “I am committed to doing what we can in Congress to promote job creation and put more money in the pockets of middle class families.”