SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON HER VOTE TO OPPOSE ADDITIONAL RELEASE OF $350 BILLION IN T.A.R.P. FUNDING

(Washington, D.C.) – Senator Jeanne Shaheen released the following statement today regarding her vote in favor of Senate Joint Resolution 5, a measure opposing the release of an additional $350 billion under the T.A.R.P. program:

“I do not favor the release of additional T.A.R.P. funding at this time. We already have spent $350 billion on this program, and before we agree to an additional $350 billion, I believe taxpayers deserve a full accounting of the money already spent and to know whether the program is working. I also believe we need legislation to enhance transparency and taxpayer protections before releasing additional money. This use of taxpayer money should be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability, and I believe the T.A.R.P. program fails to meet those standards.

“Our economy is in crisis, and I appreciate that good and thoughtful people on both sides of the aisle have come to a different conclusion regarding this funding. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and the Obama Administration on the upcoming economic recovery package to create jobs and get our economy back on track.”