[Editor's Note: This statement was released by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on February 6, 2009.]

Reid Statement On Bipartisan Senate Deal On Economic Recovery Plan

February 6, 2009

Washington, DC -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today:

"President Obama and I have talked a lot over these past few weeks. We both understand that we are in the worst economic crisis in generations. We both understand people are hurting.

"We both know that this economy must be turned around - that we must put people back to work and ensure middle-class families can get ahead. We both know that we cannot let partisanship get in the way of doing what is best for the American people.

"President Obama gave us good guidance - that we should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and that we must move this legislation forward. We listened.

"We are soon going to pass a bill that creates or saves millions of good-paying jobs here in America. We are making life easier for the middle class, who are squeezed between rising prices and disappearing incomes. And we are making investments in America to strengthen our long-term economic future.

"Is this plan perfect? No. But at the end of the day we are passing a bold and responsible plan that will help our economy get back on its feet, put people to work and put more money in their pockets.

"I appreciate the efforts of those Republicans who have worked with us to craft this good bill. I hope that even more will join us to pass it."