Allen: ‘Unrelated measures’ in Senate financial bill were unnecessary

U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) said that he is disappointed that the Senate version of the financial bailout bill was packed with “unrelated measures,” he said he supports the initiative moving forward.

Allen supported an earlier version of the bill Monday. The House is expected to vote on it again tomorrow (Friday).

Allen’s statement:

 “The plan the House rejected on Monday was not perfect, but it was a vast improvement over the proposal President Bush submitted.  It limited taxpayer exposure, assured that participating companies and their executives won't profit from their mistakes and risky investments, and provided homeowners at risk of foreclosure with the chance to keep their homes.  I support many of the changes that the Senate made to the proposal, some of which are similar to measures I have voted for in recent weeks.  These additions will help stimulate our weakened economy. 

 “However, I do not believe it was necessary to laden this particular bill with unrelated measures.  Many of the provisions added by the Senate could have and should have been considered separately on their own merits. 

 “I will continue to work with members of Congress from both parties to build consensus and pass this critically important legislation."