(Washington, DC) The National Restaurant Association made the following statement today in reaction to the announced agreement between President Bush and Congressional leaders on an economic stimulus package:

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership of President Bush and congressional leaders in providing a timely stimulus to the nation’s economy,” said John Gay, senior vice president for government affairs and public policy at the National Restaurant Association. “The rebates allowing taxpayers to retain more of their hard-earned income will provide a needed boost to the economy. Further, the agreement includes measures on expensing and bonus depreciation that will provide incentives for small-business owners to invest in their firms and hire new employees. A healthy economy is vitally important to the restaurant industry and the nation, and we urge swift action in Congress to pass this beneficial stimulus deal.”