Gephardt's Election Year Special Will Grow Government, Not Economy

WASHINGTON, October 15, 2002 - House Republican Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. (R-Okla.) issued the following statement in response to a speech by House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) on economic growth today:

"After two years of neglect, announcing an economic plan three weeks before an election is little more than snake oil. Americans don't need more empty promises from Democrat leaders. They need jobs and economic growth.

"The minority leader thinks raising taxes and spending hundreds of billions of dollars will help grow the economy. That's a three-week political plan, not a solution for the economy.

"Many of the ideas Mr. Gephardt spoke about today have passed the House over his own opposition. From pension security to additional tax relief to grow the economy, House Democrats ought to direct their rage toward those who control the Senate. The president is waiting to sign legislation to grow the economy and help create jobs, but the bills are still collecting dust in Senator Daschle's in-box."