Yesterday, the Senate began debate on an economic stimulus package
that is intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans
who are suffering through these difficult times. Unfortunately, the
proposal on the table is big on the giveaways for the special
interests and corporate high rollers, yet short on help for ordinary
working Americans. I cannot and do not support the package on the
table from the Democrats and the Obama Administration. Our country
does not need just another spending bill, particularly not one that
will load future generations with the burden of massive debt. We need
a short term stimulus bill that will directly help people, create
jobs, and provide a jolt to our economy.

I believe we need to evaluate every bit of spending in this stimulus
proposal with one important criteria - does it really stimulate the
economy and help create jobs - if the answer is no, it does not belong
in a so-called stimulus package. Furthermore, the stimulus must
include significant direct relief to American workers in the form of
payroll tax cuts and programs to help homeowners keep their homes.
Finally, we need an end game to this stimulus so that when our economy
recovers, these spending programs do not remain permanent and saddle
our children with a skyrocketing national debt.

I appreciate the discussions President Obama is having with my
Republican colleagues, but the time for talking has come to an end and
we must now begin some serious negotiation. But as of yet, Republicans
have not been given the opportunity to be involved. The House of
Representatives passed a stimulus bill without a single Republican
supporting it. In the Senate, the Democrat leadership is trying to jam
the existing proposal through regardless of reservations from a number
of members. With so much at stake, the last thing we need is
partisanship driving our attempts to turn the economy around.

I have long been a fighter against wasteful spending in Washington and
long an advocate for a balanced budget -- that will never change. I
realize we face extraordinary challenges with our economy today, but
that is not an excuse for more irresponsibly from Washington. I hope
you will join me in saying no to this stimulus package as it currently
exists by signing this petition.

http://www.countryfirstpac.com/petition/economic.aspx

Sincerely,

John McCain
Chair, Country First PAC