[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17] [House] [Page 23726] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ECONOMY STRUGGLING (Mr. PERLMUTTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, third-quarter data released yesterday highlighted the decrease in home values in 24 out of 25 metropolitan areas, and jobless claims rose to a 7-year high. Our economy is struggling, and people across America are having trouble selling their homes and buying inventory for their businesses. While no one likes the situation we are in, we must do what we can to help America and its families. So I support the financial legislation which has been proposed and is coming to us from the Senate. I encourage the Treasury to work through the Small Business Administration, the Farm Credit Administration, and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board so credit flows to people living in Colorado and across the country. This is one of the most important pieces of economic legislation we have had in decades. And, clearly, the fluctuations in the markets over the past few days and the credit crisis we face must demonstrate we cannot give up on a solution. I believe this is a plan that will help stabilize the market and protects taxpayers, and I support it. ____________________