HEBRON | U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky made repeated references to his Constitutional duty to check and vet plans proposed by the Executive Branch during a town hall forum Monday afternoon.

The economic free fall and responses by the federal government took center stage in the gathering attended by a standing-room-only crowd of about 40.

A prime example of his responsibility, Visclosky said, was Congressional approval of the bailout and economic stimulus packages that have been presented. He said he voted against the Wall Street bailout because it rewarded many who created the crisis and didn't get funds to those who most needed them.

He also voted against the first $350 billion in economic stimulus and said he would be hard pressed to vote for the second installment on the new president's watch.

"I don't know what they can do to make that palatable to me," he said. "I have to be alert to not sign a blank check."

Visclosky said he believes the economy will make discernible progress this year, but it won't be quick.

Calling 2008 "a really tough year," Visclosky said his top areas of focus were jobs and the economy. His talk touched on concerns for job security, home values and retirement savings. He also addressed the two wars, health insurance costs and energy costs and production.

Visclosky called China the poster child for unfair trade practices that included lax environmental and labor regulations and currency manipulations that give one trade partner advantages over others.

And he said he strongly disagreed with one attendee's contention global warming from man-made causes was a big hoax.

Visclosky repeated his support for extension of South Shore rail service to Lowell and Valparaiso, calling the possibility "transformational for Northwest Indiana."

Hebron Middle School eighth-grader Hailey Hernandez introduced Visclosky and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.