Jenkins criticizes spending in GOP response

Republican Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (Kan.) sharply criticized the Democrats on Saturday for spending policies that she called “truly eye-opening.”

Jenkins, delivering the GOP response to President Obama’s weekly radio and internet address, touted her economic credentials as Kansas state treasurer before being elected to Congress last year.

In particular, Jenkins said taxpayer funds were being wasted by the president’s $787 billion economic stimulus bill.

“Well, in the last few weeks, we’ve heard about plenty of ‘stimulus’ waste,” she said. “Taxpayer dollars earmarked for a homeless program in a town with no homeless problem. Millions to extend an ‘Artwalk’ in New York. And more than a million dollars for sidewalks and trash cans outside a casino in Michigan.”

As a result, she went on, future generations are being saddled with debt.

“This bill was supposed to be about jobs, but it’s gone off the rails in practically no time at all and millions of your tax dollars are being wasted,” Jenkins said. “It’s quickly turning into a symbol of everything wrong with Washington, D.C. – unchecked spending, no accountability and oversight, and more and more debt piled onto our children and grandchildren.”

Obama’s first 100 days in office have been marked by spending, taxing and borrowing – the wrong prescription for a country in recession, Jenkins said.

“Americans are worried, and rightfully so,” she said. “Republicans are fighting for middle-class families and small businesses every day here in Washington. And we are ready to work in a bipartisan way on real solutions to create jobs, rebuild your savings, and get our economy moving again. Let’s hope the Democrats in charge are as well.”