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Pelosi Statement on August Jobs Report

September 2, 2011

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/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 no net new jobs in August and the unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent:

"Our nation's top priority remains jobs, and today's report reiterates what we've heard time and again from the American people: we must get to work putting people back to work. Republicans created uncertainty and instability for our economy with the threat of a default and a government shutdown – and Americans are paying the price. We cannot afford another 241 days of Republican refusal to pass jobs legislation. The only plans offered by Republicans have not only failed to create jobs – they actually have destroyed them.

"Democrats have placed plan after plan on the table to add jobs now, to support small business hiring, and strengthen our economy – and we are prepared to do more. We must pass our 'Make It In America' initiative to strengthen our manufacturers and small businesses, and invest in rebuilding America's roads, bridges, rail lines, schools, and airports. The new Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction must focus, first and foremost, on job creation and economic growth – a critical first step to bringing down the debt – while protecting the health and economic security of our seniors and middle class families.

"With President Obama set to address the nation on his jobs agenda next week, Democrats and Republicans must act on a bipartisan basis now. We must come together, listen to our constituents, and remain committed to job number one for this Congress: creating jobs and spurring a renewed prosperity for all Americans."

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