Pelosi Statement on November Jobs Report

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 203,000 jobs and the unemployment rate dropped to 7 percent in November, the lowest unemployment rate in five years. With businesses adding 196,000 jobs, this marks the 45th consecutive month of private sector job growth.

"Today's jobs report shows our economic recovery moving in the right direction. Yet far too many Americans are still struggling to find work and make ends meet. Congress must get serious about creating jobs, growing the economy, and expanding opportunity for all Americans.

"The last thing our economy needs is another round of Republican refusals to act to strengthen our recovery and put people to work. What Americans need now is for Republicans to come together with Democrats to extend the unemployment insurance set to expire for more than a million Americans over the holidays; without this vital assistance, our economy will lose 240,000 jobs over the next year.

"At the same time, Republican must work in good faith to reach a bipartisan budget agreement that lifts the sequester, creates jobs, grows the economy, strengthens the middle class, and reduces the deficit in a balanced and responsible way. Now is the time to make critical investments in our infrastructure and early childhood education – creating jobs today while laying the foundation of a stronger tomorrow. Democrats are working to move our country forward, and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all Americans."

# # #