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Vice President Joe Biden (left) gestures as he talks with business owner John Fernandez Vice President Joe Biden makes a point about the economic stimulus package during a speech in Richmond. |
RICHMOND
--Vice-President Joe Biden yesterday defended the federal economic stimulus program against critics--including Rep. Eric Cantor of Richmond--saying the stimulus is "absolutely" working."The recovery act is making a difference," Biden said. "Yes, we still have a long, long, long way to go. But we are in a very deep hole. But we're moving, we're moving in the right direction. Some of the criticism is justified. We may not have it perfect--I think we got it just right--but what's the alternative being offered here? What would our critics do to all those families facing tough times?"
Biden spoke to an audience of about 150 at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond. The audience was made up of guests invited by the White House and selected students and faculty.
Republicans, especially Cantor, have been critical of the $787 billion federal stimulus program, saying it has failed to create jobs.
"This stimulus bill clearly has not created jobs or fixed our economy," Cantor said in a press conference call before Biden's speech yesterday.
He said the unemployment rate has continued to rise, and that the Obama administration "seems to be concerned about everything but creating jobs."
Biden countered that the stimulus was never intended to reverse the recession or job losses by itself; it was just one part of a strategy to help prevent things from getting far worse.
He said the stimulus money was intended to spur investment and spending, to save jobs, especially those of teachers, police and other government-funded positions, and to help create some additional jobs.
Without it, Biden said, state and local governments would have had to raise taxes or lay off more workers, and those out of work would have had to make do with fewer unemployment and health benefits.
"We're fighting for the life of this economy," Biden said. "We're fighting for the life of people who are struggling. We're fighting to get this back up and running. And the way this has been characterized by many people just gives the wrong picture."
He struck back at Cantor, although not by name, by mentioning people who support a high-speed rail expansion that the recovery act would pay for, while opposing the stimulus program itself.
Cantor supports high-speed rail, which would include a line from Washington to Richmond through Fredericksburg. In his conference call yesterday he mentioned that, arguing that his support for high-speed rail isn't inconsistent with his opposition to the stimulus package.
"The very guys who say this is a terrible act want you to get high-speed rail," Biden said. "Well, where do they think the money's coming from?"
Biden was joined onstage by Richmond's police chief, who said his department has benefited from stimulus money; by the head of the Chesterfield Education Association, who said education jobs have been saved; and by a small businessman who said he was able to get a loan for his bakery because of the federal stimulus, allowing him to expand and hire more people.
"Folks, this isn't giving anything away," Biden said. "This is about allowing people to grow, allowing communities to grow. Small-business people are the people who generate growth and jobs in America You want small business to grow? Give them a fighting chance."
While in town, Biden also attended a private fundraiser for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds.
Chelyen Davis: 540/368-5028
Email: cdavis@freelancestar.com
