Rep. Ike Skelton

Like most Missourians, I am downright angry that we find ourselves considering an economic rescue bill. But, sadly, the economic crisis we face is real and it must be addressed head on. Doing nothing is not an option. The consequences of inaction would be dire for America’s economic and national security and for the Show-Me State residents I am privileged to represent.

As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I study national security issues a great deal. America is the world’s indispensable nation. To remain so, we must utilize all elements of national power – military, diplomatic, and economic.

If our economy were to fail, it would undercut America’s military and diplomatic strength and make it far more difficult to properly address international challenges. And, for the American people, an economic collapse would imperil jobs, savings, farms, and small businesses.

To confront the economic challenge, bold action is needed now. At the request of the President of the United States, Republicans and Democrats in Congress built consensus around and approved a bipartisan plan to stabilize the financial market. Read more…

Related:

stjoenews.net: Political Notebook: Bailout 2.0 proved worse than the original, Graves says