Email"I said my prayers this morning, like I do every morning, so that I can understand and feel better about the vote that I cast," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, as the House prepared to vote — again — for the emergency economic rescue bill.
Growing emotional, his eyes moist, Boehner paused.
"But even if we pass this bill today," he continued, "let’s not kid ourselves. We’re in the midst of a recession. It’s going to be a rough ride, but it will be a whole lot rougher ride if we don’t pass this bill. I will say to all of you, when this bill passes today, remember those words ‘In God we trust,’ because we’re going to need his help."
Today marked the first time Boehner on the floor of the House said the U.S. was in a recession.
Republican leaders are generally reluctant to say the U.S. is in a recession. President Bush has never said it, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., tends to be elusive when asked if that word applies to the current economic climate.
- jpt