Rice presidential expert Paul Brace available to comment on tonight’s speech by Obama

David Ruth
713-348-6327
druth@rice.edu

Amy Hodges
713-348-6777
amy.hodges@rice.edu

Rice presidential expert Paul Brace available to comment on tonight’s speech by Obama

As President Barack Obama prepares to introduce the American Jobs Act tonight before a joint session of Congress, Rice University political scientist Paul Brace is available to comment on the political realities of passing meaningful legislation during an election cycle.

“Obama is preparing to introduce the American Jobs Act, which is expected to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits and benefit those most challenged by the economic crisis,” Brace said. “Beyond that, the plan will likely offer plans for infrastructure and relief to state and local governments, who are facing their own financial issues. The current Congress has been disinclined to cooperate with him. I expect Obama, in a Truman-esque fashion, to challenge Congress to do something specific.”

Brace is available for commentary before and after Obama’s speech at 6 p.m. CDT. To schedule an interview, contact Amy Hodges, senior media relations representative at Rice, at amy.hodges@rice.edu, 713-348-6777 or 217-417-2901.