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Today’s vote was the hardest I have taken in my nearly four years of being a Member of Congress. For the past week, I have listened to the concerns of thousands of West Texans, the large majority coming out opposed to the legislation, and with good reason. I voted against the bill on Monday because there were several key pieces missing in the grand puzzle that is this financial rescue package. I do not believe that such massive government action is the best answer to the current problems on Wall Street. However, I know that we must act quickly to restore investor and lender confidence and return our great nation to the most thriving economy in the world.

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Above all else, I voted for this plan because I believe the threats to our economy are real and grave.

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