Pelosi Statement on February 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 175,000 jobs. With businesses adding 162,000 jobs, this marks the 48th consecutive month of private sector job growth:

"This report makes it clear that our economy is moving forward. But it is equally clear that too many Americans are still being left out and left behind, struggling to find a job and make ends meet. Congress must act to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and build an economy that works for everyone.

"The American economy and the American people need Congress to get to work. Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans have decided that they are done working until November, flatly refusing to take up any of the urgent priorities facing our nation. As of this week, more than 2 million Americans have been pushed off the emergency unemployment insurance they rely on to support their families as they search for work, but Republicans refuse to renew this essential lifeline. By increasing the minimum wage, we can put billions of dollars into consumers' pockets, lift one million Americans out of poverty, and give a long overdue pay raise to at least 25 million hard working men and women – yet Republicans refuse to act.

"Instead of working with Democrats on an opportunity agenda to create jobs and build a future of shared prosperity for all Americans, Republicans have been consumed by their own empty, partisan messaging. They shut down the government, they have shut out debate, and they are shutting the door on the getting anything done until the election. Hard working American families need and deserve better than Republicans' relentless indifference."

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