Pelosi Statement on November Jobs Report

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Department of Labor announced that the economy added 321,000 jobs and the unemployment rate held at 5.8 percent, the lowest unemployment rate since July 2008. With businesses adding 314,000 jobs, this marks the 58th consecutive month of private sector job growth.

"Last month, our economy made strong progress – building on the longest uninterrupted stretch of private sector job creation in our history. Yet with many middle class families still struggling, it is clear the last thing our economy needs is another Republican Government Shutdown that will undermine the confidence and stability of hardworking men and women across the country.

"The last time Republicans shut down the federal government, their recklessness cost our economy $24 billion and 120,000 jobs. After 16 days keeping government closed and threatening to have the United States of America default on our obligations for the first time ever, 144 Republicans voted for default and against reopening the government. Today, as they continue to threaten another shutdown crisis, Republicans should remember the cost of their irresponsibility to the economic security of millions of American families.

"Now is the time to invest in our infrastructure, expand access to quality education, and fuel the research and innovation that will energize our economy and raise the wages of the middle class. Democrats will continue to stand against another Republican Government Shutdown, and call on Republicans to abandon their threats and come together with us to create jobs, expand opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone – not just the wealthy and well connected."

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